Kansas College Files to Launch Catholic Medical School

A small Kansas college is taking a big step toward addressing the rural healthcare crisis with a medical school rooted in faith and service.

Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas announced it raised the funds needed to apply for accreditation of its proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine. The college's board unanimously approved the milestone on May 22, 2026, and the application has been filed with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

If approved in September 2026, Benedictine would become the first medical school at a college recommended by both the National Catholic Register and the Newman Guide. The school would train doctors specifically for rural areas and Catholic hospitals where healthcare providers are desperately needed.

"This is a great moment when Benedictine College sees the need for rural health care and is stepping forward to educate physicians to fill the gap," said Mike Kuckelman, chair of the college's board. He called the vote "historical" in the school's 168-year history.

The proposed medical school aligns with the Catholic Church's bioethical teachings and the Benedictine tradition of caring for the sick. Dr. Marla Golden, dean of the proposed school, led the extensive planning process required for the application.

"It was exciting to see so many colleagues work together on this application," Golden said. The process required integrating a complete medical school within the existing college structure.

Benedictine has been building toward this moment for over 15 years through its focus on STEM education. The college already offers four accredited engineering programs and operates Kansas's top-ranked nursing school. Its newest building, Westerman Hall, is a 100,000-square-foot STEM facility.

The initiative comes from the college's strategic plan, "Transform Culture in America," which emphasizes advancing the mission through science and healthcare.

The Ripple Effect

The impact could extend far beyond Atchison. Rural communities across America face severe doctor shortages, with many hospitals struggling to recruit physicians willing to practice outside major cities. Training doctors specifically committed to serving underserved areas could help close that gap.

The school also fills a unique niche for Catholic students seeking medical education aligned with their faith's ethical teachings on issues like end-of-life care and reproductive health. Abbot James Albers of St. Benedict's Abbey noted the school expresses the Rule of St. Benedict: "Care of the sick must rank above and before all else."

Deacon Stan Sluder, who oversees bringing the school to reality, said it will "form physicians who honor the infinite dignity of every human person" and "provide excellent, compassionate, whole-person care."

The college now awaits the September decision and continues fundraising to complete the project.