USD Sanford School Of Medicine Moves To Sioux Falls In 2027

After more than 50 years of existence, The University of South Dakota School of Medicine is shaking things up a bit.

Change of Plans

Now known as the USD Sanford School of Medicine, the program has unveiled plans to move the first 18 months of its M.D. program, as well as its Division of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, from Vermillion to Sioux Falls, beginning in the summer of 2027.

The announcement came at a shared Thursday (August 14) press conference in Sioux Falls alongside the State of South Dakota, the City of Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Board of Regents and representatives from South Dakota’s major health care systems.

Lofty Goals

Officials say the change will serve as an opportunity to enhance students' educational experiences, strengthen collaboration with the state's health care systems, expand research and better serve communities across South Dakota.

Current Setup

USD’s medical education is currently split between locations, with the first 18 months of the medical program taking place on USD’s main campus in Vermillion. The remaining 30 months of their medical education are spent at other locations, with the majority of students located in Sioux Falls.

Future Plans

Sanford Health has agreed to support the medical school by offering temporary space in Sioux Falls at first, with a new, permanent building planned for seven to ten years at a location to be determined.

Impressive Stats

Currently, 45% of USD’s M.D. graduates return to South Dakota to practice medicine, and of those who complete a residency in South Dakota, more than 75% stay in the state.