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Asante and WesternU Partnership: A Step Toward Better Healthcare in Southern Oregon

In an ambitious initiative to bolster the healthcare workforce in southern Oregon, Asante has officially partnered with the Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) to establish core rotation sites for medical students. This new program aims to train future healthcare professionals directly within the local communities, providing invaluable experience in both hospital and outpatient settings.

Scheduled to begin in July 2026, the collaboration will bring third- and fourth-year osteopathic medical students from WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest to the Rogue Valley. This undertaking not only supports the educational growth of medical students but also reinforces local healthcare systems by educating future physicians in the region.

Dr. Scott Wilber, CEO of Asante Physician Partners, emphasized the importance of this partnership for the community, saying, "The collaboration with WesternU, in conjunction with our existing partnerships at OHSU, will play a crucial role in nurturing future physicians. By immersing them in our facilities and communities, we can significantly enhance our local workforce."

The program will see students rotating through seven essential specialties, which include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Primary Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics. This comprehensive clinical exposure is aimed at preparing students to meet the healthcare needs of local populations effectively.

The partnership goes beyond mere training; it also focuses on inspiring the younger generation. As a part of this initiative, Asante and WesternU will engage with local high school and college students to ignite interest in medical professions. Dr. Scott Nelson, a surgeon and Chief of Staff at Three Rivers Medical Center, pointed out that many students often perceive a medical career as unattainable. He expressed hope that this collaboration would not only provide current medical students with excellent educational opportunities but also encourage aspiring young healthcare professionals in their community.

"This partnership represents a major investment in the future of our community," stated Patrick Sharp, CEO of Three Rivers Medical Center. "By training the next generation of physicians right here in southern Oregon, we’re not just ensuring that local healthcare needs are met today, but also that talented clinicians will choose to build their futures in our region."

Asante has seen a successful recruitment year in 2025, and the introduction of the WesternU medical student program is expected to build on this success, creating a strong pipeline of healthcare providers dedicated to serving the needs of southern Oregon.

Western University of Health Sciences, based in Lebanon, Oregon, and Pomona, California, is an independent nonprofit institution specializing in various health professions. Its mission is to train competent and compassionate healthcare professionals through a holistic and collaborative approach to education. Moreover, Asante itself is a not-for-profit health system, aiding nearly 600,000 individuals in southern Oregon and northern California.

Asante’s latest partnership with WesternU is a hallmark of responsive healthcare education at a time when the demand for skilled medical professionals continues to rise. By combining resources and expertise, both organizations are taking significant steps towards creating a sustainable healthcare future for the region.

Asante and WesternU are not just shaping the careers of those pursuing medicine; they’re fostering a healthier community for all.