In a landmark moment for Muslim American higher education and community-centered healthcare innovation, Bayan Islamic Graduate School and Insight Health System proudly announce a historic partnership to launch the Bayan-Insight School of Health. With a $25 million investment commitment from Insight, this initiative establishes a premier Islamically-rooted healthcare professional institution of higher learning.

 

This partnership is more than an academic expansion. It is a direct response to the national healthcare workforce emergency and a strategic effort to create sustainable economic mobility for families on Chicago’s South Side, an area long overlooked in educational and healthcare investment.

 

The school will begin with nursing education programs, located on the Insight Hospital & Medical Center campus, with guaranteed clinical placements across Insight’s expanding network in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and beyond. By 2030, enrollment is projected to reach over 750 students across multiple disciplines, forming the foundation for an Islamically-rooted medical school by 2035.

 

To guide this ambitious initiative, Bayan has appointed Dr. Y.Z. Azar, a nationally respected physician, strategist, and visionary healthcare entrepreneur, as Vice Dean and Chief Strategy Officer. Dr. Azar will drive strategic development, innovation, and academic excellence to ensure the School of Health launches with both rigor and purpose.

 

“This partnership unites Bayan’s academic and spiritual excellence with Insight’s healthcare expertise to create a new model in American medical education,” said Dr. Turk, Founding President of Bayan. “We aim to train healthcare professionals who understand the human being - mind, body, and soul. Together we are building an institution capable of addressing national challenges while serving underserved communities with compassion and cultural humility.”

 

Turk added: “We are honored to welcome Dr. Azar as Vice Dean and Chief Strategy Officer. His leadership and industry expertise will be essential in building a School of Health that is academically exceptional, operationally innovative, and deeply responsive to community needs.”

 

The Bayan-Insight School of Health is expected to serve as a long-term economic engine for surrounding communities. Over the first decade of operations, the school anticipates graduating more than 800 students from South Side neighborhoods, generating over $58 million in combined annual wages, $34.9 million in direct local spending, $14.5 million in new tax revenue, and nearly $9 million in reduced healthcare costs locally.

 

With AI-enhanced education systems, advanced simulation labs, and multilingual learning support, the school will offer students unprecedented academic resources. These tools will expand access, strengthen retention, and support the diverse learning needs of students committed to healthcare careers.

 

For over 4.5 million Muslim Americans, the Bayan-Insight School of Health represents a long-awaited advancement, an institution where professional preparation aligns with Islamic values in serving all communities with excellence. Rooted in its Islamic ethos, the school is open to all students regardless of religious affiliation.

 

 

Founded in 2011, Bayan Islamic Graduate School offers world-class education to produce dynamic and ethical leaders and scholars grounded in the Islamic tradition. Through programs including the Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy, and the Doctor of Ministry in Islamic Leadership, Bayan has established itself as a premier institution for combining theological depth with professional excellence. The School of Health represents the natural evolution of Bayan's mission from the theological to the professional realm. More information on Bayan can be found at bayanonline.org.

 

 

Established in 2009, Insight Health System is a multi-state healthcare organization grounded in Islamic principles of service, excellence, and compassion. With facilities across Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, Insight is dedicated to expanding healthcare access and providing culturally responsive care in underserved communities. More information on Insight Health System can be found at iinn.com.