WesternU receives 150-acre land gift to expand health care education in Oregon
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) has received the deed for 150 acres of land in Lebanon, Oregon, marking a major milestone in the University’s plans to expand its Oregon campus and establish a graduate program in behavioral health in the future. The land transfer is the cornerstone of a historic philanthropic gift supporting WesternU’s long-term vision for advancing health care education across the Pacific Northwest.
WesternU’s Lebanon campus is currently home to two colleges: the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest) and the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), which is in the process of being named the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Founded in 2011, COMP-Northwest confers doctorate degrees in osteopathic medicine, with over 1,000 alumni nationwide. The college serves as the only osteopathic medical school in the state of Oregon.
WesternU is committed to addressing the urgent need for family medicine and primary care physicians in Oregon. Of COMP-Northwest graduates working in primary care, 60% have stayed in the Pacific Northwest, and 68% of those are practicing in Oregon. In March, COMP-Northwest celebrated a 100% residency placement rate, with 57% entering primary care specialties. US News & World Report ranks COMP-Northwest as a Tier 1 medical school for primary care. It is one of only 16 schools in the United States with this top ranking and the only medical school in Oregon ranked in Tier 1 for primary care.
To further strengthen the health care pipeline in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, WesternU is actively working to expand residency opportunities throughout the region, recognizing that clinicians often remain in the communities where they complete their training. Through its programs and partnerships, the University is shaping a future where all individuals have access to high-quality, compassionate care.
Founded in 2021, CHS-Northwest launched its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program with a strong focus on both clinical and didactic education. As part of the comprehensive curriculum, students and faculty work directly with community volunteers through Practical Application Labs (PALs), offering hands-on learning for students.
A master plan for the land is being developed that will emphasize the use of Oregon’s natural resources, net-zero construction principles, and restoration of the land’s natural habitat. In response to the increasing demand for mental health services, the University also plans to launch the Interprofessional Behavioral Health Institute, enhancing research and education efforts to help address the mental health crisis in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. In support of these ambitious plans, WesternU will launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign to develop the expanded campus and bring these new programs to life.
