05/26/2026
Dr. Gina Miller and Emily Campbell of Western University of Health Sciences recently weighed in on WesternU’s collaborative approach to medical education in our latest magazine. See the full article below 👇
Medicine is often portrayed as the work of individuals, brilliant minds making decisive choices in moments of urgency. Yet, the reality of medical education tells a different story. From the first day a student steps into a classroom, learning medicine is an inherently collaborative endeavor, shaped by shared knowledge, collective problem-solving, and partnerships that extend far beyond campus walls. At Western University of Health Sciences, collaboration is not an abstract ideal; it is a guiding principle woven into how we teach, learn, and serve.
This commitment is evident in WesternU’s participation in the annual Health Care Equity Fair in Portland. In October, students and faculty from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, joined peers from multiple institutions to provide free osteopathic treatment to Portland’s uninsured and underinsured residents. COMP-Northwest students worked alongside health care professionals, OHSU students, and local volunteers to plan and execute the event, gaining practical experience in teamwork, communication, and patient-centered care while learning to appreciate the skills and perspectives of other health care disciplines.
At WesternU, we extend that same spirit of partnership in work with undergraduate institutions across the state. The new WesternU–University of Oregon Pathway Program provides UO pre-health students with a structured route into medicine and physical therapy. By offering guidance, mentorship, and support, the program prepares students for the academic and professional demands of medical school while fostering early engagement with WesternU’s collaborative learning environment. These partnerships ensure future health care professionals enter their programs ready to thrive in team-oriented settings, while also laying the groundwork for thoughtful expansion of WesternU’s health care education offerings in the years ahead.
WesternU invites practicing physicians across the state to continue to engage with COMP-Northwest as mentors, preceptors, and clinical partners, helping to strengthen pathways for students interested in serving rural and medically underserved communities throughout Oregon. With more than 50 percent of COMP-Northwest graduates entering primary care residencies each year, these partnerships play a critical role in preparing the next generation of family physicians committed to compassionate patient-centered care.
By fostering partnerships with health care professionals, students, and universities, WesternU prepares future physicians who are not only skilled and compassionate but also ready to thrive in team-based, patient-centered care. In this way, collaboration is both a learning tool and a guiding principle, shaping students who will make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
