News from The Commonwealth Medical College

Vice President of TCMC to represent northeast medical colleges on AAMC committee

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Ida L. Castro, MA, JD, to serve two-year term with American Association of Medical Colleges

Scranton, PA- Ida L. Castro, MA, JD, Vice President of Social Justice & Diversity for The Commonwealth Medical College has been selected to serve as the Northeast Region Representative for the Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Steering Committee of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). During her two-year term, Ms. Castro will work with the GDI Steering Committee members to support the efforts of AAMC member institutions and academic medicine at the local, regional, and national levels to understand the benefits of diversity and inclusion in medicine and biomedical sciences.

“Ms. Castro has made significant progress in advancing TCMC’s mission on diversity, inclusion and social justice through collaboration and strategic partnerships with community organizations and academic institutions,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, TCMC President and Dean. “I am confident that her appointment to the GDI Steering Committee will positively inform and guide the advancement of diversity throughout academic medicine,” Dr. D’Alessandri continued.

“I am truly honored to represent the Northeast Medical Colleges at this top level group created by AAMC to ensure that America includes the best and the brightest to all fields of medicine,” said Ida L. Castro, MA, JD, Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity, TCMC. “Continuous improvement of the quality of our physicians is critical to the quality of healthcare in the region,” Ms. Castro continued.

GDI seeks to assist in the advancement of diversity across the entire professional spectrum; it will also underscore the importance of addressing the issues to those historically underrepresented in medicine and never lose sight of the ultimate goals of providing care to the underserved and eliminating health disparities. For more information about AAMC’s GDI please visit www.aamc.org/members/gdi/.

TCMC medical student sings national anthem at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees game

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Scranton, PA –Holly Catherine Gillis, Class of 2013, sang the national anthem to open the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees vs. Charlotte Knights game on May 17. Ms. Gillis opened the night’s game at 7:02 pm, followed by the first pitch at 7:05 pm.

Ms. Gillis was asked to sing the national anthem following her win at The Scranton Times Tribune National Anthem Tryouts held at the Steamtown Mall on Saturday, March 6. More than 150 singers participated.

TCMC Hosts Career Day for Lackawanna Trail High School

Fri, 7 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

TCMC Hosts Career Day for Lackawanna Trail High School

Scranton, PA - The Commonwealth Medical College Department of Social Justice and Diversity recently organized an educational program for high school juniors and seniors from Lackawanna Trail High School. Several of TCMC faculty and staff members provided information about various career options in health, science and medicine. A tour of the Clinical Skills & Simulation Center, Gross Anatomy Lab and Research Labs followed the presentations.

First row, from left: Sara Choplosky, Alyssa Huffsmith, Brittany Morse; second row, Caroline McNamara, Ashley Kostick, Briana Lindsey, Justin Shaw, Stephanie Boyd; third row, Myranda Myers, Justin Clarke, Megan Gavin, Vicky Van Fleet, Amelia Furneaux, Ashley Ditchey; fourth row, Jennifer Cawley, Director of Social Justice & Diversity, TCMC; Alyssa Dippel, Kayla Johnson, Megan Lombardi, Bethany Ross, Harold Powell, David Stark; fifth row, Owen Baille, Administrative Assistant to Department of Social Justice & Diversity, TCMC; Casey Rich, Michael Kilmer, Katie Ross, Tom Nasser, Joel McLaughlin.

Local Family Dedicates Two Classrooms to The Commonwealth Medical College

Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Media contact: Anne Green,
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Gift will be used to name two classrooms in the new medical sciences building.

Scranton, PA – The new Medical Sciences Building at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) has recently received support from community members where spaces have been dedicated to honoring loved ones. The family of Joseph J. Gentile, Jr. presented a gift to Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President & Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) to dedicate two classrooms in the new Medical Sciences Building. One classroom will be dedicated in honor of Mr. Joseph J. Gentile Sr. and Mrs. MaryAnn Gentile and, the other classroom will be dedicated in memory of Mr. John J. Gentile.

To date, TCMC has received several corporate and individual family gifts to dedicate various components of the Medical Sciences Building such as: classrooms, conference rooms, front courtyard, and lab and research space. Specific gifts have been received from the family of Joseph J. Gentile, Jr. and from Governor William and Mrs. Scranton, Mr. Alan Goldstein, an anonymous source, and PNC Bank.

There are naming opportunities available and vary by giving level.

Tours of the building construction site are available. For tours or information on naming opportunities, call Brian Campbell, Chief Development Officer at #570-504-9650.

Front row: L to R: Jacob Gentile, Joseph J. Gentile, Jr., William Gentile, MaryAnn Gentile, Joseph J. Gentile, Sr., Tyler Liput, and Beverly Chermak.

Second row: L to R: Joseph Gentile III, Brooke Beier, Justin Beier, Amanda Gentile, Jennifer Gentile, Robert D’ Alessandri, MD, TCMC President & Dean, Christal Gentile, John Gentile, Jr., Anne DeNaples, Ronald Liput, Melissa Liput and Daniel Chermak.

Absent from family photo: Lauren Chermak.

NEPA Community Supports Building of The Commonwealth Medical College

Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

Gifts will be used to name classrooms in the new Medical Sciences Building.

Scranton, PA – The new Medical Sciences Building at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) has recently received support from community members where spaces have been dedicated to honoring loved ones. To date, TCMC has received several corporate and individual family gifts to dedicate various components of the Medical Sciences Building such as: classrooms, conference rooms, front courtyard, and lab and research space. Specific gifts have been received from the family of Joseph J. Gentile, Jr. and from Governor William and Mrs. Scranton, Mr. Alan Goldstein, an anonymous source, and PNC Bank.

“TCMC is committed to educating physicians and healthcare professionals who will care for future generations right here in the communities of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, TCMC President and Dean. “With generous community and corporate support, we can build our legacy one step at a time by acknowledging individuals and corporate entities with naming opportunities in the Medical Sciences Building,” he added.

The family of Joseph J. Gentile, Jr. recently presented a gift to Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Dean of TCMC to dedicate two classrooms in the new Medical Sciences Building. One classroom will be dedicated in honor of Mr. Joseph J. Gentile Sr. and Mrs. MaryAnn Gentile and, the other classroom will be dedicated in memory of Mr. John J. Gentile.

“My family and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor our parents and to remember my brother than by naming two rooms in the new building of The Commonwealth Medical College,” said Mr. Joseph J. Gentile, Jr. “Their memories will live on forever where future generations of new doctors will be educated,” Mr. Gentile continued.

There are naming opportunities available and vary by giving level.

Located on a three acre parcel on Pine Street in Scranton, the 188,000 sq. ft. future site of TCMC is set to open April 2011 and will eventually serve more than 500 medical and Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students and 175 full-time equivalent faculty members, plus support personnel. The permanent location will include administrative offices, classrooms and state-of-the-art research space.

One of the key elements of the construction design is that it is a green, or sustainable, building. Once construction is complete, TCMC will pursue LEED certification, a national benchmark in sustainable construction. Another significant aspect of the Building’s construction is the use of design and construction elements representative of Pennsylvania’s natural beauty and environment.

Tours of the construction site are available. For tours or information on naming opportunities, call Brian Campbell, Chief Development Officer at 570-504-9650.

Antonio Scarpa, MD, PhD, Director, NIH Center for Scientific Review to Speak at TCMC

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

Scranton, PA – On Thursday, May 13, 2010, internationally recognized speaker, Antonio Scarpa, MD, PhD and Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will speak at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) about how NIH research funding is allocated and how priorities are set to meet national healthcare needs. The event will be held at the Mellow Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street, Scranton at 12 noon to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) is the portal for NIH grant applications and their review for scientific merit. CSR receives nearly 80,000 applications a year and evaluates the majority (70%) of the research grant applications sent to NIH. The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research to help lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people’s health and save lives. For nearly 60 years, the CSR peer review system has enabled NIH to fund cutting-edge research that has allowed millions to leave their doctor’s office with new drugs and cures for diseases.

Through its active research program, TCMC has submitted over 100 research applications to the NIH and other agencies and has received a total of $3.7 million in state and federal funding. To date, the research funding has been funded for specific research studies such as breast and colorectal cancer research, osteoporosis, and other research studies. These research projects are being developed to find new discoveries and innovations that will lead to better treatments that will improve the delivery of healthcare and impact the economic development in the region.

Dr. Scarpa received his MD and PhD (Libera Docenza) in general pathology from the University of Padua School of Medicine, and he conducted postdoctoral studies at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands, and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Scarpa continued his research and academic career for 17 years at the University of Pennsylvania before moving to Case Western Reserve in 1986.

Dr. Scarpa has been an active member of the scientific community. He has been officer or board member of many scientific societies, including The Biophysical Society, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, and the Association American Medical Colleges. Over the years, Dr. Scarpa also has served on the editorial boards of 13 scientific journals and served as editor or co-editor for 5 journals: News in Physiological Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International, Cell Calcium, Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Biophysical Journal. He has more than 225 peer-reviewed publications and has edited or co-edited 9 books or special journal supplements.

Innovative Collaborative Approaches in Healthcare Introduced at First Interprofessional Education Seminar

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

Wilkes-Barre, PA – On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Interprofessional Education Coalition (NEPA-IPEC) held four concurrent seminars with more than 350 students from twelve universities and colleges across the region to promote collaboration to improve the delivery of patient care. Co-chairs of the NEPA-IPEC Collaborative Summit were: Edward Foote, PharmD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes University, and Maria Olenick, CRNP, PhD (c), Director, Clinical Skills & Simulation Center, The Commonwealth Medical College. This joint effort is the first in the country to use a regional approach to introduce the concept of interprofessional education with students from various institutions and healthcare disciplines to pioneer the advancement of healthcare education.

The NEPA-IPEC, founded by The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) in 2008, is a collaborative effort between local and regional universities and colleges offering healthcare programs in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Lycoming counties. Students enrolled in pharmacy, medical school, nursing, physician assistant, physical/occupational therapy, nutrition, social work, paramedic and radiology technician programs participated in group sessions hosted by Misericordia University, Marywood University, University of Scranton and Pennsylvania College of Technology. Each group observed a patient case scenario and then discussed their individual roles and responsibilities in a collaborative team approach to patient care.

TCMC to Hold Inaugural Master of Biomedical Sciences Commencement Ceremony

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania to give Commencement Address

Scranton, PA – Officials of The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) will hold the inaugural commencement ceremony of the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Mellow Theater at Lackawanna College. Students enrolled in the one-year comprehensive graduate program focused on the biomedical sciences with student centered learning and personal professional development. Graduates will be awarded a Master’s Degree by Robert D’Alessandri, MD, TCMC President and Dean. To mark this special occasion, The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania will deliver the Commencement Address.

The inaugural MBS graduation ceremony marks yet another first in the history of The Commonwealth Medical College. “On behalf of TCMC’s Leadership and Board of Trustees, we appreciate the dedication of so many who have contributed to the success of these students. We are honored to have the Governor of Pennsylvania, Edward G. Rendell address our students to commemorate this historic occasion,” states Robert D’Alessandri, MD, TCMC President and Dean. The graduates, many of whom will enter medical school and other health professional schools in the fall, are well on their way to make a difference in healthcare as they move toward careers in medicine, scientific research, education or biomedical technology. “We are especially grateful for Governor Rendell’s support of TCMC and health professional education which will help to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Pennsylvania,” he added.

The MBS degree program is directed at people who are seeking to strengthen their credentials for application into medical school or a health professions school or, are seeking a foundation in biomedical sciences to enter a career in public health, scientific research, education or biomedical technology. To learn more about TCMC’s MBS program, call 570-687-9708 or go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com/mbs

If you are interested in attending TCMC’s inaugural MBS Commencement Ceremony, please send an email to rsvp@tcmedc.org or call 570-504-9635.

Director of Admissions for TCMC to Serve on AMCAS Advisory Committee

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

Debra Stalk to serve three-year term with American Medical College Application Service

Scranton, PA – Debra Stalk, MPH, Director of Admissions of The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) has been selected to serve on the Advisory Committee of the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The three-year term will involve working with members of the AMCAS Advisory Committee to ensure that AMCAS is responsive to the needs of the admissions community and aligned with the Association of American Medical College’s (AAMC) Mission and Strategies.

“In her role as Director of Admissions for TCMC over the past few years, Ms. Stalk has made significant strides in establishing high standards not for only TCMC’s inaugural class of sixty-five students but has also led the admissions effort in garnering more than 3,000 applications for the incoming 2010 class,” stated David Axler, PhD, Associate Dean for Student Affairs. “The Advisory Committee of AMCAS will certainly benefit from her years of knowledge and expertise in medical school admissions,” Dr. Axler continued.

AMCAS is a non-profit, centralized application processing service for first-time applicants applying to participating U.S. medical schools. The AMCAS Advisory Committee seeks to represent the diverse perspectives and expertise of American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) member medical schools and other stakeholders, such as health professions and advisors and medical school applicants. For the 2010 entering class, most medical schools are participating in AMCAS.

President& Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College Receives Presidential Recognition Award

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

Robert M. D’Alessandri, MD honored by Lackawanna County Medical Society

Scranton, PA – Robert M. D’Alessandri, MD, President & Dean of the Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) was recently awarded the Lackawanna County Medical Society (LCMS) Presidential Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the medical community. Honorary LCMS board member, Gerald Tracy, MD presented the award during an event to honor outgoing president, J. Garry Wrobleski, DO, at the Scranton Cultural Center on March 21, 2010. This prestigious award recognizes physicians for their lifelong commitment to excellence in medicine, patient care, and medical education in improving the quality of medical care to all residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Dr. D’Alessandri serves as the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Academic Officer of TCMC. He is a specialist in infectious diseases and general medicine with over eighteen years of experience in senior leadership positions at West Virginia University, including almost fifteen years as Dean of the WVU School of Medicine before his appointment as President & Founding Dean of TCMC.

The Commonwealth Medical College to Host Master of Biomedical Sciences Open House

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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

College Faculty and Senior Leadership offer information on program to prepare for medical school

Scranton, Pennsylvania – The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is hosting an Open House for its Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 4 to 6pm at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street in Scranton. Graduate students interested in strengthening their credentials and their candidacy acceptance into medical school are invited to attend. The comprehensive one-year MBS Program is focused in the biomedical sciences, with specific classes designed to enhance medical school interviewing skills. The 34 graduate school credit program also includes the Princeton Review MCAT Hyperlearning Program - an advanced seven-week course credited with improving MCAT scores by an average of 10 points. Meet with TCMC faculty, current students and tour the campus.

Of the current students enrolled in the 2010 MBS class, one-third has been accepted to medical school to date. TCMC is accepting applications now for fall admission to its MBS Program and will be accepting up to 40 MBS students for the class of 2011.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Jenna Strzelecki at JStrzelecki@tcmedc.org or call 570-687-9708. For more information please go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com/mbsapp

The Commonwealth Medical College Awards Research Fellowships to Pennsylvania Academy of Science (Region 2) Participants

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

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

Wilkes-Barre, PA – For the first time ever, The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) awarded research fellowships to four top candidates competing in the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PJAS) Region 2 competition. Nearly 600 area junior and high school students throughout northeastern Pennsylvania presented their findings of their year-long science research projects to a panel of judges at the 49th annual Regional Competition.

PJAS awards ceremony keynote speaker, Robert D’ Alessandri, President and Dean of TCMC, Ida Castro, Vice President, TCMC, and Robert Taylor, Chairman, PJAS Advisory Board Region 2 presented the awards to: Charles Piazza, Carbondale Area High School; Kristen Lapatofsky, Western Wayne High School; Joanne Gamble, Pocono Mountain East High School and Jessica Ninzola, Hazleton Area High School. These students will have the opportunity to work with TCMC scientists to further the development of their research investigations in an academic medical school setting.

PJAS is designed to simulate and promote interest in science through the development research investigations. The annual regional completion is open to all students in grades 7 – 12 who want to conduct scientific research in one of the eleven Scientific Categories of Research. Guide through the process by a teacher sponsor, students present their findings to a panel of judges at the Regional Competition. Winners of this completion move on to the state competition in May at Penn State University in State College, PA.

L to R: Ida L. Castro, MA, JD, Vice President for Social Justice & Diversity, TCMC; Jessica Minzola, Hazleton Area High School; Charles Puza, Carbondale Area High School; Joanne Gamble, Pocono Mountain East High School; Kristen Lopatofsky, Western Wayne High School; Robert Taylor, Chairman, PJAS Region 2 Advisory Board; and Robert D’ Alessandri President & Dean, TCMC.

The Commonwealth Medical College Hosts Educational Program for High School Juniors/Seniors Focused on Careers in Science and Medicine

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

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

Scranton, PA – On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, the Department of Social Justice & Diversity of The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) organized an educational program for nearly 30 high school juniors and seniors from Lackawanna, Luzerne and Susquehanna Counties. TCMC faculty and staff welcomed the students to TCMC’s Lackawanna College facility and generously offered their time to give the students a glimpse of various careers in science and medicine.

The students participated in a welcome presentation by Robert D‘Alessandri, MD, President & Dean; Ida L. Castro, VP of Social Justice & Diversity; Gerry Litwack, PhD, Chair of Basic Sciences; and Janet Townsend, MD, Chair of Family Medicine and Community Health.

Tours of TCMC’s research labs and Clinical Skills & Simulation Center followed, and were conducted by John Arnott, PhD; Kathryn Delmar, MA; Sonia Planey, PhD; Robert Shivers, PhD; and Greg Shanower, PhD. Debra Stalk, Director of Admissions provided an overview of science and health-related professions, as well as the medical school application process. The highlight of the program was a working lunch, which featured interactive presentations by TCMC faculty members and medical students. Presenters included: Sonia Planey, PhD; John Arnott, PhD; Ayotunde Adeagbo, PhD; Kelly Foster, PhD; Dan DeJoseph, MD; and MD students Radhika Patnam and Joe Marchese.

Pictured L to R (front row): Gerry Litwack, PhD; Ida L. Castro, VP, Social Justice & Diversity; Jennifer Cawley, Director, Social Justice & Diversity

Pictured L to R (back row): Janet Townsend, MD, Chair, Family Medicine & Community Health; Robert D’ Alessandri, MD, President and Dean

The Commonwealth Medical College Accepting Applications for Masters of Biomedical Sciences Program

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 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 – The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is accepting applications for fall admission to its Masters of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program. This comprehensive one-year graduate program is focused in the biomedical sciences and designed to help students strengthen their credentials for candidacy for acceptance into medical school. TCMC has partnered with The Princeton Review to combine the MBS degree with their MCAT Hyperlearning Program, an advanced seven-week course credited with improving MCAT scores by an average of 10 points.

“We cannot imagine any better preparation for the rigors of medical school than by combining the MCAT Hyperlearning Program with our highly accomplished researchers and educators who make up our MD Program faculty,” stated Robert D’Alessandri, MD, President and Dean of The Commonwealth Medical College. “We’ve developed this extensive program for those serious about medical school and will demonstrate our commitment by holding several MD slots open for MBS graduates who meet the criteria for medical school,” he continued.

The 34 graduate school credits are heavily focused in the biomedical sciences including: biochemistry, cell biology, epidemiology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology/immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology. The program also includes interactive workshops designed to enhance medical school interviewing skills, application preparation for medical school, community health projects and life-like experiences in the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center.

“TCMC’s MBS program offers small class size and personalized attention by faculty and researchers that not only provide a solid biomedical sciences foundation but the professional background and experience to enhance the student’s base of scientific knowledge, “says Maureen McLeod, PhD, Director of Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. “With a 3-to-1 student-teacher ratio, TCMC faculty is focused on a student-centered learning experience with communication, collaboration and individual attention by faculty who also teach in the medical program,” she added.

The deadline for applying to the 2012 MBS class is May 31, 2010. For an informational brochure or an application for the MBS Program, visit TCMC’s website or go to www.thecommonwealthmedical.com/mbsapp

The Commonwealth Medical College Researcher is Published in the Journal of Neuroscience

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

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

Scranton, PA – Kelly Foster, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at The Commonwealth Medical College, has recently published a research paper in the Journal of Neuroscience on Long-term Potentiation (LTP), a cellular and molecular basis for memory foundation. Co-written by Nathan McLaughlin and Morgan Sheng, Distinct roles of NR2A and NR2B cytoplasmic tails in long term potentiation, seeks to propose evidence on how the activity of LTP affects underlying memory and learning in the brain. These findings reveal a theory on how LTP enables learning to occur throughout the aging process and will assist researchers in finding strategies that will advance treatments and therapies in brain disorders such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons.

Dr. Foster received her PdD from Harvard Medical School and completed her post doctorate work at MIT.

The Journal of Neuroscience is the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. The Journal publishes papers on a broad range of topics of general interest to those working on the nervous system.

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).