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Health education Those who thought career in medicine beyond reach praise new regional medical college

November 24, 2009

Med school making dreams real

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
Andrew M. Seder on Facebook   |   @TLAndrewSeder on Twitter

 

WILKES-BARRE – As a married mother of seven, Diana Freyberger had very few options if she wanted to attend medical school. The nurse at Berwick Hospital has wanted to be a doctor for 20 years, but home and work duties, coupled with no medical college within driving distance, made that option hard.

 

But with this year’s opening of The Commonwealth Medical College, with its main campus in Scranton and satellite branches in Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre, the Nescopeck woman’s longtime dream has become more realistic.

 

“I’m really happy they’re within driving distance,” said Freyberger, 47.

 

She was one of a handful of perspective students stopping by the Grand Ballroom at the Best Western Genetti Hotel & Conference Center on Monday for an open house and information session for the new college.

 

College officials, including those specializing in admissions, were on hand to answer questions, offer advice and provide materials about the school.

 

Though fewer than 10 people showed up during the three-hour session, those who did said it was worth their while and they hope to be students as early as 2011. The deadline for the fall 2010 academic year is Dec. 15 and the college has already received more than 2,700 applications to fill 60 spots. Last year, 1,291 applications were received.

 

Dr. Robert D’Alessandri, the school’s dean and president, said students from all 50 states have applied for admission, and now that the school is established, its name is being circulated at undergraduate schools across the country.

 

Amy Blackwell, 37, of Kingston, said the 2011 incoming class is her goal, and with the coursework she still needs to complete to get her master’s degree at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, Conn., plus having to take the MCAT exams, that’s feasible.

 

The Wyoming Valley West High School and King’s College graduate said that when she first heard a medical school was proposed for Northeastern Pennsylvania “I thought, ‘Oh my God, I hope this happens.’ ” She said she’s been keeping an eye on the school’s progression from concept to reality and she believes it will keep a lot of local students in the region instead of heading to medical school hours or time zones away.

 

Freyberger said she appreciates that the medical school realizes there are a lot of non-traditional students in the region looking for a place close to home where they can further their education.

 

She said the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey was the closest option for her, but the commute was too much and she is unable to move. The proximity of The Commonwealth Medical College spurred her to inquire about the program. She also knows admission will be very competitive and there are no guarantees she will be accepted.

 

Regardless, just the chance makes it worth it to her.

 

“It (the college’s opening) made it possible in a way that I can be home with my family and still go to medical school,” Freyberger said.

Andrew M. Seder, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7269.

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