The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita is a medical school campus without walls. As a community based medical school, it relies on the cooperation and support of Wichita's private and public health-care institutions and area physicians.
Students train at local medical facilities rather than a university hospital.
The academic program is affiliated with local hospitals, providing students the opportunity to observe and participate with medical staff in the care and supervision of patients. During their fourth year, medical students participate in a required rural preceptorship, spending four weeks in various Kansas communities to receive exposure to the practice of primary medical care in a non-urban setting and increase their awareness of professional opportunities in rural areas. The KU School of Medicine-Wichita campus was established by the Kansas Board of Regents in 1971, accredited in 1974, and graduated its first class of students in 1975. In February 1996, construction was completed on the 30,000 square foot Daniel K. Roberts Center for Research and the Kansas Health Foundation Center for Primary Care. Kan. They then choose to complete their education in the clinical program in Wichita.