MUNCIE, Ind. (AP): All of Indiana University's eight regional medical schools will be offering the full four years of physician training once that program expands in Muncie this summer.

The IU School of Medicine's other seven regional programs have previously started providing the third and fourth years of medical training.

The medical director at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital says the regional programs aim to keep primary care doctors in smaller communities. Matthew Neal tells The Star Press the expansion will allow medical students the option of staying in Muncie rather than going to the main IU medical school campus in Indianapolis.

The Muncie program's enrollment will increase from 48 to 64 after the expansion to a four-year school. IU says the Indianapolis medical school has about 850 students.