YAKIMA -- Yakima's new medical students showed up for their first day of class today, nervous but excited to be the first class at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

The university, situated in Terrace Heights, has accepted 75 students for degrees in osteopathic medicine. Administrators say they hope to build a total 10 health-training programs on the 42-acre campus.

This morning, faculty and staff welcomed students with handshakes and hugs, then reminded each the importance of their success.

"Forget about yourselves. Learn all you can," said Dr. A.B. Preacher, an internist and cardiologist who serves on the university's board of trustees. "It's all about the patients from this moment forward."

-- Yakima Herald-Republic staff

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