News from The Commonwealth Medical College

The Commonwealth Medical College Receives Candidate for Accreditation Status by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Title IV Eligibility Initiated

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Cell: (570) 909-6220
Office: (570) 504-9687
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, Pennsylvania –The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) recently received notification from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) that it has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status. To earn and maintain full accreditation, colleges and universities must demonstrate to colleagues from peer institutions that they meet or surpass mutually agreed-upon standards. TCMC’s evaluation visit by the MSCHE is scheduled for 2011-2012 and if approved, TCMC would receive full-accreditation.

This is the first step in the process of obtaining full accreditation by the MSCHE, and it allows TCMC to apply to the United States Department of Education for eligibility for the Title IV Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Access to this simple interest, government guaranteed, no collateral loan program allows students a much more desirable fixed interest rate for school loans and repayment is delayed until six months after leaving school or graduating.

“We are very pleased with achieving MSCHE accreditation candidacy status and thank the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff for their unwavering efforts in this process,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College. “This milestone is another significant step in the history of TCMC that not only demonstrates that we are progressing toward full accreditation but it brings us closer to Title IV eligibility for loans and other scholarship and grant opportunities,” he continued.

In September 2009, the MSCHE accreditation readiness site visit team met for two days with TCMC board members, administrators, faculty members and students to examine the institution as a whole and conducted an in-depth assessment of the College’s curriculum for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) programs, a review of facilities, and interviews with departments including Student Affairs, Admissions, Counseling, Financial Aid as well as various support services.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary membership association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities and promotes and maintains education excellence and quality across institutions.

Background Information: The Commonwealth Medical College, one of the nation’s newest medical colleges, welcomed its charter class of sixty-five medical students and Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students in August 2009. The College has campuses in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport and currently has over 113 full time employees and over 557 clinical faculty members. For the academic years of 2009 and 2010, students will use temporary facilities on the Lackawanna College campus until construction of the new TCMC Medical Sciences Building is completed in April 2011. The Commonwealth Medical College is dedicated to training the next generation of physicians and scientists in a community-based model. Focusing on selecting students with a propensity for community service, the school’s unique structure is designed to provide these students with diverse clinical experiences from the very first day of their education. For information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

TCMC has been granted degree-granting authority from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee of Medical Education. The Commonwealth Medical Education Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

The Commonwealth Medical College Awarded Grant from American Institute for Cancer Research to Fund Colorectal Cancer Research

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, PA – Michael Bordonaro, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology in the Basic Sciences Department at The Commonwealth Medical College recently received a $165,000 grant from The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) to study the effects of dietary fiber in reducing colorectal cancer. The grant, co-written by Darina Lazarova, PhD, will help investigators examine the effects of dietary fiber and its degradation product, butyrate, on the risk of colon cancer. This grant is the first AICR grant awarded to TCMC.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of both men and women in the United States. Conflicting research studies have shown that consuming more dietary fiber may or may not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. As Principal Investigator (PI) for the research project, Dr. Bordonaro in collaboration with Dr. Lazarova, will investigate how cancer cells in the colon become resistant to butyrate (a fermentation product from dietary fiber) may shed light on the preventive role of dietary fiber against colon cancer. “It is our hope that knowledge of these factors which determine the response of malignant cells to butyrate will result in more efficient dietary recommendations and improved preventive and therapeutic strategies against colon cancer,” stated Dr. Bordonaro.

To date, The Commonwealth Medical College has submitted over 100 research applications to the NIH and other research agencies and has received a total of 3.7 million in state and federal grant funding. “This is our first grant from the AICR which is testament to our commitment to an active research program that will lead to more efficient cancer treatments and therapies for the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College.

Dr. Bordonaro holds a PhD in the Biological Sciences from Fordham University, Bronx, NY. Additionally, Dr. Bordonaro completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Oncology at the Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, where he received an American Institute for Cancer Research Postdoctoral Award for his work on the effects of dietary components on the development of colorectal cancer. Dr. Bordonaro later held the position of Associate Research Scientist at the Yale University School of Medicine and has also served as a research coordinator for Keren Pharmaceutical. His research interests are in molecular oncology, particularly the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal cancer, as well as in studying the role of cell signaling pathways in type 2 diabetes and human aging.

Darina Lazarova, PhD is Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology in the Basic Sciences Department. She received her PhD in Cell Biology at Fordham University, New York and did her Postdoctoral work at Yale University School of Medicine. Her research interests include the molecular mechanisms by which histone deacetylase inhibitors exercise their effects on cancer cells, the networks established between major signaling pathways that allow malignant cells to resist therapeutic interventions, and the modulation of these networks to overcome the robustness of the tumors.

The Commonwealth Medical College Announces Recent Board of Trustees Leadership Elections

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, PA – Robert W. Naismith, PhD, has been named Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC). Prior to this appointment, Dr. Naismith served as Founding President of the Medical Education Development Consortium and Vice Chair of TCMC’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Louis DeNaples will assume the Vice Chair position. Mr. Thomas Karam, Treasurer, and Linda Thomas, MD, Secretary, will continue to serve in their leadership appointments.

“Under his leadership as a founding member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Naismith has been instrumental in the development and focus of The Commonwealth Medical College from the very beginning,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Founding Dean. “In his new role as Chair of the TCMC Board of Trustees, the strength of his commitment to education, particularly his exceptional scientific background and understanding of research, will continue to advance our mission as we serve the citizens of northeastern Pennsylvania,” Dr. D‘Alessandri continued.

Dr. Naismith serves as Chairman and CEO of Roosevelt Capital Partners, LLC. Formerly he served as Chairman and CEO of Life Science Analytics. Dr. Naismith co-founded Pharmakon Research International, Inc., a preclinical contract research organization and founded Biofor, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company where he served as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Previously he served as Chairman of the Board of the publicly traded companies, DermaSciences, Inc and the Microcap Company and privately held, Emedsecurities, Inc. and NND Biomedical Sciences PVT, LTD, India. Dr. Naismith also serves as a Director of Penn Security Bank, St. Charles Pharmaceuticals, and the Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central PA; a Trustee of the William Harvey Research Institute, London, UK; and a member of the Kania School of Management’s Advisory Board at the University of Scranton as well as Chairman of the International Advisory Board of BioAsia 2010, India. An adjunct associate professor in the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and The Commonwealth Medical College, Dr. Naismith holds a PhD in genetics from the Pennsylvania State University.

“I am honored to accept this responsibility and appreciate the confidence placed in me by The Commonwealth Medical College’s Board of Trustees. So much progress has been achieved to date and we look forward to continued success as we build the College to full enrollment,” said Dr. Naismith.

After several years of successful leadership as Founding Chair of The Commonwealth Medical College’s Board of Trustees and the Founding Chair of the Medical Education Development Consortium, Robert Wright, MD, will continue to serve as a member of TCMC’s Board of Trustees. “Dr. Wright has provided leadership and guidance in the development of The Commonwealth Medical College,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Founding Dean at TCMC. “We are profoundly grateful for this service and thank him for his many contributions to medical education in northeastern Pennsylvania and to the health care system,” Dr. D’ Alessandri continued. Dr. Wright also holds a volunteer faculty appointment at TCMC. Prior to his TCMC leadership position, Dr. Wright began the Scranton Temple Residency Program in internal medicine and directed the program for many years.
In addition to these Board appointments, TCMC Board of Trustees members include: Denise S. Cesare, President and CEO of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, James Hallock, MD, President Emeritus of the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates; John Moses, Attorney and former CEO of ALSAC St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Murray Ufberg, Attorney; and Ex officio board member, Robert D’Alessandri, MD, TCMC President and Dean.

The Commonwealth Medical College to Host Admissions Open House

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Cell: (570) 909-6220
Office: (570) 504-9687
agreen@tcmedc.org

College Clinical Faculty and Senior Administration to discuss admissions criteria and innovative curriculum.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania –The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is hosting an Open House on Monday, November 23, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Best Western Gus Genetti Hotel and Confrence Center, 77 East Market Street in Wilkes-Barre. Students interested in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree are invited to attend. TCMC Clinical Faculty as well as representatives from TCMC’s Admissions, Student Affairs, Social Justice and Diversity and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to discuss the programs in detail including: admissions criteria, curriculum and the regional campus/community experience. No reservations required. For more information, please contact Jstrzelecki@tcmedc.org.

The goal of The Commonwealth Medical College is to educate a generation of physicians and scientists who are dedicated to continuously enhancing their skills throughout their careers, who use new knowledge and technology to adopt best practices and care for a growing spectrum of health issues within the community setting, and who are strong communicators as well as healers. Focusing on selecting students with a propensity for community service, the College’s integrated, and competency based curriculum is designed to provide students with early clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. The College has campuses in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport and currently has over 557 clinical faculty members.

From the very beginning of their medical education, students will truly be a part of the Wilkes-Barre community as they will begin to follow a local multi-generational family for all four years of their medical education under the guidance of a clinical mentor. Students will live and work in the area for (3) one week community experiences during the first two years of medical education and will stay in the Wilkes-Barre community for the entire third and fourth years. They will learn about healthcare issues through the eyes and experiences of their volunteer family with their Wilkes-Barre area physician mentor as their guide. Currently, there are 146 TCMC Clinical Faculty members in the Wilkes-Barre Regional Campus from across Luzerne, Carbon, Columbia, Montour and Schuylkill Counties. These local area physicians and Wilkes-Barre Region medical students will shape the future of healthcare by learning to stay connected to the most important part of healthcare – the patient. And the community support of this next generation of Wilkes-Barre area physicians will make all the difference in their success.

For more information, please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

The Commonwealth Medical College to Host Admissions Open House

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Cell: (570) 909-6220
Office: (570) 504-9687
agreen@tcmedc.org

College Clinical Faculty and Senior Administration to discuss admissions criteria and innovative curriculum.

Scranton, Pennsylvania –The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at TCMC’s Lackawanna Campus, 501 Vine Street in Scranton. Students interested in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree are invited to attend. TCMC Clinical Faculty as well as representatives from TCMC’s Admissions, Student Affairs, Social Justice and Diversity and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to discuss the programs in detail including: admissions criteria, curriculum and the regional campus/community experience.

No reservations required. For more information, please contact JStrzelecki@tcmedc.org.

From the very beginning of their medical education, students will truly be a part of the Scranton community as they will begin to follow a local multi-generational family for all four years of their medical education under the guidance of a clinical mentor. Students will live and work in the area for (3) one week community experiences during the first two years of medical education and will stay in the Scranton community for the entire third and fourth years. They will learn about healthcare issues through the eyes and experiences of their volunteer family with their Scranton area physician mentor as their guide. Currently, there are 345 TCMC Clinical Faculty members in the Scranton Regional Campus from across Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Pike and Monroe Counties. These local area physicians and Scranton Region medical students will shape the future of healthcare by learning to stay connected to the most important part of healthcare – the patient. And the community support of this next generation of Scranton area physicians will make all the difference in their success.

For information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

Valerie Weber, MD, FACP Named Founding Chair of the Department of Medicine at The Commonwealth Medical College

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Cell: (570) 909-6220
Office: (570) 504-9687
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, Pennsylvania – Valerie Weber, MD, FACP, has joined The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) as Founding Chair of Medicine. In this leadership role, she will oversee the development of education, research, practice models and community partnerships for the newly established Department of Medicine. Dr. Weber will also serve as a member of the TCMC’s senior leadership team and will lead the establishment of the development of the internal medicine department, including faculty recruitment and program/curriculum development.

“We are grateful to have a clinician and leader such as Dr. Weber to oversee the development of the Department of Medicine at TCMC and introduce our students to innovate clinical and research educational opportunities within this specialty,” stated Robert D’ Alessandri, MD, President and Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College.

As a physician and educator for more than twenty years, Dr. Weber’s passion for teaching and medicine has earned her several leadership roles in advising medical students and overseeing the development of educational curriculum for various clinical practices and residency programs. As leader in TCMC’s Department of Medicine, her vision is to foster the development of the next generation of physicians who will provide outstanding patient care leading the field in quality, patient safety and compassion with innovative models of care based on community assessment and need.

“Dr. Weber is an exceptional leader and comes to TCMC with extensive clinical and teaching experience who will inspire our medical students to become a new generation of caring, skilled physicians,” added Paul Katz, MD, Vice Dean for Faculty and Clinical Affairs.

A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Weber is board-certified in internal medicine and earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington and Jefferson College and her Doctorate of Medicine from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine internship and residency at The Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Weber has dedicated her career to the advancement of internal medicine and has served in various educational leadership roles including several clinical faculty appointments at the University of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, and the Temple University School of Medicine. She has served in national leadership roles in Internal Medicine including President of the Association of Chiefs of General Internal Medicine in 2007-8.

Dr. Weber joins TCMC from Geisinger Health System in Danville, PA where she served as Vice-Chair, Division of Medicine and Department Director, General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. She is currently completing a Masters in Science degree in healthcare administration from the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Commonwealth Medical College to Host Admissions Open House

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Medica contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

College Clinical Faculty and Senior Administration to discuss admissions criteria and innovative curriculum.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania –The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is hosting an Open House on Monday, October 26, 2009 from 3 to 7pm at Radisson Plaza at Warwick Hotel, 220 South 17th Street in Philadelphia. Students interested in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree are invited to attend. TCMC Clinical Faculty as well as representatives from TCMC’s Admissions, Student Affairs, Social Justice and Diversity and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to discuss the programs in detail including: admissions criteria, curriculum and the regional campus/community experience.

No reservations required. For more information, please contact JStrzelecki@tcmedc.org.

Background Information: The Commonwealth Medical College, one of the nation’s newest medical colleges, welcomed its charter class of sixty-five medical students and Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students in August 2009. The goal of The Commonwealth Medical College is to educate a generation of physicians and scientists who are dedicated to continuously enhancing their skills throughout their careers, who use new knowledge and technology to adopt best practices and care for a growing spectrum of health issues within the community setting, and who are strong communicators as well as healers. Focusing on selecting students with a propensity for community service, the College’s integrated, and competency based curriculum is designed to provide students with early clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. The College has campuses in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport and currently has over 557 clinical faculty members. For information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

The Commonwealth Medical College Shows Support for American Red Cross

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST


Lackawanna County Chapter 545 Jefferson Ave. Scranton, PA 18510 www.neparc.org	Contact: Charlotte Wright Phone: 570-207-0112 cwright@neparc.org

Scranton, PA, October 21, 2009 – The students and staff at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) are showing their support for the American Red Cross with their very first blood drive. The blood drive will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at the TCMC Lackawanna campus on Vine Street in Scranton, giving the students, staff and general public the opportunity to give the gift of life. “As medical students, we realize how important it is to give blood. Each unit of blood donated can help up to three people, and that’s such an amazing thing to be able to do,” commented TCMC student Peter McCorkell.

Peter McCorkell and Tyler Lambing, both students at TCMC, will work with staff to help promote the drive and sign people up to give. If you’d like to join The Commonwealth Medical College in supporting the American Red Cross and patients in local hospitals, make an appointment to give blood on November 5, 2009, by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Commonwealth Medical College, 501 Vine St, Scranton
WHO: To give blood you must be 16 or over, at least 110lb and in good health.

To find out if you’re eligible to donate, or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

PHOTO: Sharon Bednarz (Adm. Assistant Student Affairs), Peter McCorkell (student), Linda Gavin (American Red Cross), Julia Kolcharno (Director of Student Affairs), Tyler Lambing (student).

MEDIA: For more information, contact Charlotte Wright at (570) 207-0112.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.neparc.org

The Commonwealth Medical College to Host Admissions Open House

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

College Clinical Faculty and Senior Administration to discuss admissions criteria and innovative curriculum.

Allentown, Pennsylvania –The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 4 to 7pm at Four Points by Sheraton Allentown Airport, 3400 Airport Road in Allentown. Students interested in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree are invited to attend. TCMC Clinical Faculty as well as representatives from TCMC’s Admissions, Student Affairs, Social Justice and Diversity and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to discuss the programs in detail including: admissions criteria, curriculum and the regional campus/community experience.

No reservations required. For more information, please contact JStrzelecki@tcmedc.org.

Background Information: The Commonwealth Medical College, one of the nation’s newest medical colleges, welcomed its charter class of sixty-five medical students and Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students in August 2009. The goal of The Commonwealth Medical College is to educate a generation of physicians and scientists who are dedicated to continuously enhancing their skills throughout their careers, who use new knowledge and technology to adopt best practices and care for a growing spectrum of health issues within the community setting, and who are strong communicators as well as healers. Focusing on selecting students with a propensity for community service, the College’s integrated, and competency based curriculum is designed to provide students with early clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. The College has campuses in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport and currently has over 557 clinical faculty members.

For information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

Ida L.Castro of The Commonwealth Medical College to Speak at State Official Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs has named Ida L. Castro, MA, JD, Vice President for Social Justice and Diversity at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC), as keynote speaker for this year’s State Official Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. The event, entitled “Latino Pennsylvanians: Strengthening the State, Shaping the Future,” will take place at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 11:30 a.m., with the State Official Ceremony beginning at noon. A cultural reception will follow the ceremony in the Atrium of the Keystone Building. The event is free of charge and is held in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) to celebrate the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

“Ms. Castro has been an inspiration to many individuals; a resource to many institutions; and an agent of change to a grateful Latino Community,” stated Norman Bristol Colón, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. “It has been a great pleasure seeing her contributions to the nation as a White House Appointee, Cabinet Member for the State of New Jersey and her new role as Vice President for Social Justice and Diversity at one of the nation’s newest medical colleges. Her remarkable journey and American story is admirable, commendable and a great sense of pride for Latinos in Pennsylvania and the United States,” Mr. Colón continued.

“We are proud to help raise diversity awareness and engage the community in the rich culture, traditions and contributions of Latinos throughout our country’s history. TCMC’s mission reflects our commitment to inclusion and we are happy to support events such as this, which ultimately create better understanding of and appreciation for the many people and cultures in America,” said Robert D’ Alessandri, MD, TCMC President and Dean.

Ms. Castro joined TCMC in September 2008, with more than 25 years experience in law, academia, not-for-profit and government agencies. She was appointed by President Clinton in 1998 as the first Latina Chairwoman/CEO of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, after serving as Director of the Women’s Bureau, Acting Deputy Solicitor and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Worker Compensation at the U.S. Department of Labor. In her position at TCMC, she oversees and develops social justice, diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives involving leadership, staff, faculty, students and the community. In addition, she is a professor in TCMC’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.

Ms. Castro is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico. She earned her Master’s degree from Rutgers University and her Juris Doctorate from Rutgers School of Law. She was also awarded an honorary Doctorate in Human Letters by St. Joseph’s College.

For reservations or more information, email c-alwatson@state.pa.us or call 1-800-233-1407.

Background Information: The Commonwealth Medical College, one of the nation’s newest medical colleges, welcomed its charter class of sixty-five medical students and Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students in August 2009. The College has campuses in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport and currently has over 113 full time employees and over 557 clinical faculty members. For the academic years of 2009 and 2010, students will use temporary facilities on the Lackawanna College campus. The Commonwealth Medical College is dedicated to training the next generation of physicians and scientists in a community-based model. Focusing on selecting students with a propensity for community service, the school’s unique structure is designed to provide these students with diverse clinical experiences from the very first day of their education. For information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

The Commonwealth Medical College Hosts Inaugural Celebration to Honor Charter Class Students

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, Pennsylvania – The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) Friends Committee will host an Inaugural Celebration to honor the charter classes on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 7pm at the Scranton Cultural Center. Proceeds of the event will be used to establish the Student Emergency Fund. TCMC President and Dean, Robert D’ Alessandri, MD will give brief remarks followed by followed by dinner and dancing. Tickets are $125 per person. The event is being co-sponsored by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and PNC Bank. For more information about this event, please call Ms. Marie Mohila, call 570-504-7290. For more information about The Commonwealth Medical College, visit www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.

TCMC Inaugural Celebration Committee Members:

Seated (L-R): Marie Mohila; Peter Danchak, PNC Bank Northeast Region; Sally Bohlin, TCMC Friends Committee; and John Arnott, PhD.

Back Row (L-R): Robert D’ Alessandri, MD, TCMC President & Dean; Anne Green; Mary Roman; Kathleen Graff, TCMC Friends Committee; Brian Campbell; and Margaret McNulty.

The Lackawanna County Medical Society Donates $10,000 to The Commonwealth Medical College Scholarship Fund

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, Pennsylvania – The Lackawanna County Medical Society has recently donated $10,000 over the next four years to The Commonwealth Medical College Founders Society to benefit the student scholarship fund.

“The Commonwealth Medical College is committed to bringing the brightest and most qualified students to this region and we are grateful to the Lackawanna Medical Society for providing a scholarship grant to these deserving students,” stated President and Dean, Robert D’ Alessandri, MD.

Through the Commonwealth Medical College Founders Society, Pennsylvania’s residents, families, corporations and foundations are united to donate much-needed funding that will support all aspects of operating the medical college. “The Lackawanna Medical Society is pleased to support the TCMC student scholarship fund that will enable TCMC to train physicians to meet the changing healthcare conditions of the entire region,” stated J. Garry Wrobleski, DO, President of the Lackawanna County Medical Society.

For information about The Founders Society of the Commonwealth Medical College, contact Brian Campbell, Chief Development Officer, at 570-504-9624 or bcampbell@tcmedc.org.

Lackawanna County Medical Society Board members L-R: Kimberly Scandale, Executive Director; Jack Henzes, MD, President-Elect; J. Garry Wrobleski, DO, President; Dr. Robert D’ Alessandri, President and Dean, The Commonwealth Medical College, and Gerald Tracy, MD, Board Member.

The Commonwealth Medical College Awarded $1.25M NIH Grant for Breast Cancer Research

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, PA – The National Institute of Health (NIH) recently awarded The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) its first Research Project grant (R01) for $1.25M to fund breast cancer research. This is the second NIH grant awarded to TCMC since receiving Preliminary Accreditation just under a year ago.

The Research Project (R01) grant is one of the original grant mechanisms used by the NIH to award funds to support a specified research project in the investigator’s particular area of interest. The Commonwealth Medical College’s researchers, Daniel Flynn, PhD, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Cell Biology, Principal Investigator (PI), and co-investigator, Jess Cunnick, PhD, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, for the Research Project: “AFAP-110 as a cSrc activator in breast cancer,” were awarded the $1.25M grant for four year years to discover of a new treatment therapy that will manage tumors and prevent them from metastasizing.

Drs. Flynn and Cunnick have identified a protein in breast cancer cells that stimulates tumor cell invasion that causes them to metastasize to the lymph nodes or bloodstream. They will be working with a biotech company to manufacture a drug therapy that will prevent the cell protein from stimulating breast cancer. “If we can prevent cancer cells from moving and metastasizing, we can help oncologists and scientists understand why standard treatment therapies fail in some women,” stated Dr. Flynn. “If our work leads to a new treatment strategy to prevent a breast cancer from metastasizing, physicians will be better able to manage tumor development and cancer progression and this is good news for breast cancer patients,” Dr. Flynn continued.

According to the American Cancer Society, 9,380 new breast cancer cases have been diagnosed in Pennsylvania in 2009 and, 2,070 women have died of breast cancer in the same year. “Receiving our first Research Project grant from the NIH is a major achievement for a new medical college and demonstrates The Commonwealth Medical College’s commitment to establishing an active research program,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Founding Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College. “TCMC’s research program, comprised of nationally recognized researchers living right here in the community, is focused on finding more efficient treatments and therapies for diseases that affect the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Dr. D’ Alessandri continued.

To date, The Commonwealth Medical College has submitted over 70 research applications to the NIH and other research agencies and has received a total of 3.7 million in state and federal grant funding.

The Commonwealth Medical College to Host Admissions Open House

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

College Clinical Faculty and Senior Administration to discuss admissions criteria and innovative curriculum.

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Williamsport, Pennsylvania –The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 4 to 7pm at Gus Genetti’s Hotel and Suites, 200 W. 4th Street in Williamsport. Students interested in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree are invited to attend. TCMC Clinical Faculty as well as representatives from TCMC’s Admissions, Student Affairs, Social Justice and Diversity and Financial Aid departments will be on hand to discuss the programs in detail including: admissions criteria, curriculum and the regional campus/community experience.

From the very beginning of their medical education, students will truly be a part of the Williamsport community as they will begin to follow a local multi-generational family for all four years of their medical education under the guidance of a clinical mentor. Students will live and work in the area for (3) one week community experiences during the first two years of medical education and will move to Williamsport for the entire third and fourth years. They will learn about healthcare issues through the eyes and experiences of their volunteer family with their Williamsport area physician mentor as their guide. Currently, there are 116 TCMC Clinical Faculty members in the Williamsport Regional Campus from across Lycoming, Clinton, Tioga, Bradford and Sullivan Counties. These local area physicians and Williamsport Region medical students will shape the future of healthcare by learning to stay connected to the most important part of healthcare – the patient. And the community support of this next generation of Williamsport area physicians will make all the difference in their success.

No reservations required. For more information, please contact JStrzelecki@tcmedc.org.

The Commonwealth Medical College To Host First Annual Golf Tournament Presented by The Quandel Group

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Media contact: Anne Green,
Manager of Marketing Communications
Office: (570) 504-9687
Cell: (570) 909-6220
agreen@tcmedc.org

Scranton, Pennsylvania – The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) will host its first annual golf tournament on Friday, September 25, 2009 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Course in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. Proceeds will benefit the TCMC student scholarship fund that will help defer the cost of tuition. The Quandel Group is the presenting sponsor.

Registration begins at 11:30am with a shot gun start at 1:00pm. Cost is $300 per person and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, balls and green fees, lunch, refreshments, a golfer’s gift and admission to awards ceremony and reception. To register, call 570-504-9619 or, go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com to register online. If you’re unable to participate and want to make a difference, please contact Brian Campbell, Chief Development Officer, at 570-504-9624 or bcampbell@tcmedc.org.

Background Information: The Commonwealth Medical College, one of the nation’s newest medical colleges, welcomed its charter class of sixty-five medical students and Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students in August 2009. The College has campuses in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport and currently has over 113 full time employees and over 557 clinical faculty members. For the academic years of 2009 and 2010, students will use temporary facilities on the Lackawanna College campus. The Commonwealth Medical College is dedicated to training the next generation of physicians and scientists in a community-based model. Focusing on selecting students with a propensity for community service, the school’s unique structure is designed to provide these students with diverse clinical experiences from the very first day of their education. For information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com.