Pocono News Section

New Medical College Gets Big Boost

New Medical College Gets Big Boost - Monday, September 22, 2008 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Sep 22, 2008 @ 05:00pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Plans for the Commonwealth Medical College also got a big boost Monday. Both Pennsylvania senators came to the Electric City to give the project a financial shot in the arm.

It’s the first real sign of work on the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton. Fences are up and grounds crews are finishing looking at the pine street property where the headquarters will be built.

Officials say the college is two weeks away from getting accreditation. Medical College Dean Robert D'Alessandri said, “We're optimistic that we will receive provisional accreditation. The day after, if we get accredited, we begin the admissions process."

Monday morning both Pennsylvania senators got an update on the project and saw a demonstration of what students will learn. They also dropped off one million dollars for training equipment. Senator Bob Casey said, “It’s about the future of this region and really the future of the state. It’s a rare event when a medical school is started in Pennsylvania. We haven't had one in just about a generation."

As federal earmarks, like this one for the medical college come under increasing scrutiny in Washington, the senators say they will stand behind it. Senator Arlen Specter said, “Earmarks are criticized, but the ones we're proposing will withstand analysis, principally directed towards education and healthcare."

When the medical college's first class is held in 312 days, officials say 70% of its incoming students will be from Pennsylvania. Officials are also excited about the school's economic impact. It will be at least 200 million dollars.

“Bill Gates said if you want to see economic growth, build a research institution. So, there's gonna be tremendous economic development as a result of this," said D’Alessandri.

Besides the one million dollars for the medical college, the senators also announced another $100,000 for Lackawanna College. That money will be used to develop the college's science and environmental programs.