Pocono News Section

Classes Set to Begin at New Medical College

Classes Set to Begin at New Medical College - Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 6:28PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 @ 06:28pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Seventeen days and counting. That's how long there is until the first classes begin at the brand new Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton.

If you've driven near downtown Scranton, chances are you've seen the new campus going up by the Midtown Apartment Complex. What people probably don't know, is that the new facility will begin its classes at nearby Lackawanna College.

"We have a great class, a great facility. We are ready and we're anxious to get started," Dr. Robert D'Alessandri said. D'Alessandri is the president and founding dean of the new medical college.

Thirty scientists and faculty are already doing research. Dr. Sonia Planey already has the school's first patent pending for coming up with a way to diagnose painful bladder syndrome. Its a condition that affects one in every 500 people.

"The typical patient might go five to seven years before being diagnosed and receiving therapy, so this test will not only help to physically diagnose patients but will help to more accurately predict prevent rates," Dr. Planey said.

Other faculty are busy tackling other questions. Dr. Jennifer Smith is focused on sexually transmitted diseases.

"The big question I'm interested in, is how can we get around using antibiotics to treat gonarrea?," Dr. Smith said.

The main campus for the brand new medical college is not expected to open until 2011.