Drexel and MCP Hospital

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maugham

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Has anyone read the Philadelphia Inquirer articles regarding possible new arrangement at MCP? It notes that Gov. Rendell and Sen. Specter have given their approval to a plan whereby the doctors at the hospital will take over from departing Tenet, Temple will provide residency training and Drexel's role will be eliminated at the hospital. The article made it seem like supportors of the hospital were pleased, but mentioned it could be devastating for Drexel Med due to loss of training money it gets form the government. A representative from the school said the school may have to drastically cut students and staff. Officials from Drexel were said to be considering giving up the Queen Lane campus if the medical school no longer had any role at MCP. Not to be an alarmist, but as a student there myself I don't like the sound of this at all.
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The article doesn't really make sense to me. I mean hasn't it been assumed this whole time that MCP would close? So how would this be any different for Drexel if MCP closes of if the group of doctors take over? Either way, Drexel would still have been in the process of finding other clinical sites for its students and residents. And in terms of the grant money, wouldn't Drexel lose it either way? I don't understand why this article is such surprising news.
 
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mimi1 said:
The article doesn't really make sense to me. I mean hasn't it been assumed this whole time that MCP would close? So how would this be any different for Drexel if MCP closes of if the group of doctors take over? Either way, Drexel would still have been in the process of finding other clinical sites for its students and residents. And in terms of the grant money, wouldn't Drexel lose it either way? I don't understand why this article is such surprising news.
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I'm concerned about it too, actually. Although I'm going to be a student there this fall and am looking forward to it, this outcome is troubling. It seems to leave Drexel in a pretty bad place, whereas the scenarios I've seen before indicated that Drexel would have at least some clinical involvement at MCPH. What concerns me the most is that Drexel itself (as far as I can tell) seems to be in damage-control mode. What I'm wondering is what their contingency plan is, and also, why the proposal from the governor and senator favors Temple over Drexel when it's so obvious that Drexel will be hit hard by this. In other words, to someone on the outside, it seems like Drexel dropped the ball somehow.

Does anybody currently at the school have more information on this, from the Dean, faculty, or whomever?
 
snapdad said:
What I'm wondering is what their contingency plan is, and also, why the proposal from the governor and senator favors Temple over Drexel when it's so obvious that Drexel will be hit hard by this. In other words, to someone on the outside, it seems like Drexel dropped the ball somehow.
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A possible explanation for the favor of Temple over Drexel is that Temple already has an established health system here in philadelphia whereas Drexel only runs the medical school and has affliated hospitals with Tenet. Since MCP is shaky to begin with, the governor may have felt safer by partnering MCP with a health system that "has experience," so to speak.

This definitely is of concern to Drexel students, but nothing is set in stone yet. Drexel should have already been in talks with adding more affliates.
 
ForensicPath said:
This definitely is of concern to Drexel students, but nothing is set in stone yet. Drexel should have already been in talks with adding more affliates.
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Yes, on both counts. Not to fuel any fires, but one thing I noted in the recent Mother Jones article was that Drexel had also failed to cultivate relationships with independent doctors, contributing somewhat to the financial situation at MCP by limiting referrals to the hospital. That's part of what I meant by "dropped the ball": the school does seem to have made some management mistakes. That's why I'd like to know what the school's plans are now that the s***'s hit the fan, so to speak.

Some more articles of possible interest:

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2004/05/17/daily3.html

http://thetriangle.collegepublisher...usses.Mcp.At.University.Assembly-657962.shtml
 
it makes no sense that temple would run the hospital. It's so close to the queen lane campus that i would think it would be absurd if Drexel students couldn't do rotations there. This should be a bigger problem for residents, students should be allowed to use the facility, if it is taken over by a private group it should become an affiliate of Drexel. It might be a great place to learn if you are working closesly with so called attendings instead of residents. But I don't really know how the clinical years are run anyway.
 
MErc44 said:
it makes no sense that temple would run the hospital. It's so close to the queen lane campus that i would think it would be absurd if Drexel students couldn't do rotations there. This should be a bigger problem for residents, students should be allowed to use the facility, if it is taken over by a private group it should become an affiliate of Drexel. It might be a great place to learn if you are working closesly with so called attendings instead of residents. But I don't really know how the clinical years are run anyway.
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See, that's what I'm having a hard time with as well. Based on what ForensicPath said about Temple's established health system, I could see partnering MCP with Temple if Temple was actually running the hospital. But they're not, and they won't be because they asked for so much state money to take it over. It's the independent doctors' group that's proposed to run it, and to me it makes no sense to keep the medical school next door out in the cold on the educational side...especially when it's going to hurt that school so much by doing so, both by creating financial difficulty and geographic isolation. Specter and Rendell are making a big deal out of their being East Falls residents and showing concern for their community by stepping up for MCP. They should step up for Drexel Med, which is also a part of the East Falls community.

I think some letters need to be written to these politicians.
 
To me it seems like it is more of a problem for Drexel's resident program rather than the medical program. What is means is that Drexel will receive less federal money and therefore will be unable to support as many residencies as they have in the past.

However, I still don't understand the decision to change the educational partner from Drexel to Temple.
 
I would really like to hear more from future and current Drexel students on this issue. I knew about the possible closure of MCP and was initially worried, but put at ease after talking with people when I went to interview. Now I am actually pretty scared. I loved the school when I went for my interview, but I just don?t feel comfortable investing $250,000+ that I don?t have, into an education that could be compromised once I start. A big draw (for me) in the pre-clinical curriculum is how wired the Queen?s Lane Campus is ?and the article said that campus could close. I am wondering if I should consider deferring or withdrawing and reapplying to other schools next year. I know the key here is that all this could happen, but what if it does?
 
myID said:
I would really like to hear more from future and current Drexel students on this issue. I knew about the possible closure of MCP and was initially worried, but put at ease after talking with people when I went to interview. Now I am actually pretty scared. I loved the school when I went for my interview, but I just don?t feel comfortable investing $250,000+ that I don?t have, into an education that could be compromised once I start. A big draw (for me) in the pre-clinical curriculum is how wired the Queen?s Lane Campus is ?and the article said that campus could close. I am wondering if I should consider deferring or withdrawing and reapplying to other schools next year. I know the key here is that all this could happen, but what if it does?
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I don't see why the campus would close. I heard that MCP wasn't even that great of a place. Also if they close the campus they would have to have a place set up for all 250 of us along with administration offices, it seems like closing the campus would be a pretty big affair. I forgot, they also would need storage space for around 60 or 70 cadavers along with research labs. I don't think there is a building like that lying around in philadelphia anywhere.
 
I'm going to send an email to the governor's office today to see if I can get any more information than they are releasing to the press or a reason for the switch from Drexel to Temple at MCP. Although, I doubt any new information will be given to me besides what is in the press. I will post any response I get. If someone can recommend a person for me to contact at Drexel, I will do that as well. I wouldn't really begin to know who to speak with over there.

It is important to keep in mind that this is far from being a done deal. Tenet still has to accept the offer. If enough people show concern about the status of Drexel there is a slight possibility that the state may be willing to rework the plan that might not be as detrimental to the school.
 
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ForensicPath said:
I'm going to send an email to the governor's office today to see if I can get any more information than they are releasing to the press or a reason for the switch from Drexel to Temple at MCP. Although, I doubt any new information will be given to me besides what is in the press. I will post any response I get. If someone can recommend a person for me to contact at Drexel, I will do that as well. I wouldn't really begin to know who to speak with over there.

It is important to keep in mind that this is far from being a done deal. Tenet still has to accept the offer. If enough people show concern about the status of Drexel there is a slight possibility that the state may be willing to rework the plan that might not be as detrimental to the school.
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This is a great idea. I wrote to the governor and Sen. Specter last night as well, although not so much for information as to register my concerns about how this will affect the medical school. I think that as current and future Drexel students, we absolutely have the right to "know the scoop" from the various parties involved and to make our concerns known.

I don't have contact information for anyone at the university yet, but I do have the info for various politicians that are involved with this issue:

Politician email addresses
 
Dear Drexel University College of Medicine Student,

Over the weekend, we learned that Governor Rendell and Senator Specter would hold a press conference on Monday to announce their support for an effort by the Save MCP Physicians Group to run the hospital as a not-for-profit corporation.

At the press conference, the Governor and Senator announced their support of the physician's group proposal to acquire MCP Hospital, and continue to operate it as a full-service acute care facility. The physicians group have also entered into negotiations with Temple University Health System to be their "educational partner."

Governor Rendell and Senator Specter noted during the press conference that they were aware of issues relating to students and residents, and promised to work with DUCOM. We have been in contact with federal and state officials, as well as the LCME, and anticipate in-depth discussions about the impact of this proposal. Also, both the Governor and Senator emphasized that the proposal is not a completed transaction and still requires extensive negotiations with the current owner, Tenet Healthcare.

Should MCP Hospital be sold to others, we will work diligently to insure the educational welfare of our students and residents. This announcement does not change our commitment to providing the best educational environment for all of you. For M.D. students in particular, we are focused on insuring a seamless experience in both the clinical and pre-clinical phases of your education.

Dr. Barbara Schindler, Vice Dean of Educational Affairs, and her staff of the Office of Educational Affairs (OEA) have worked to find replacement educational sites, develop new hospital affiliate relationships, and insure the continuity of education for each of you since the nurses strike in November 2003.

I know there is uncertainty surrounding the latest events at MCP Hospital. I would again ask you to utilize the OEA Office, Deans and your faculty advisers for accurate and current information. As additional information becomes available, we will share it with you. Thank you.

With warm regards

Stephen K. Klasko, M.D., M.B.A.
Dean
 
With that being said, I also don't understand why Temple is getting the "educational" aspect of the hospital over Drexel, which is already there.

Also, this clip from the paper: "The move would cut off Drexel's Queen Lane campus in East Falls, which Drexel recently acquired from Tenet for $7.5 million. Drexel executives are concerned that the site will not make sense if the college can no longer train residents and students at nearby MCP." I don't think that means we're moving out of QL tomorrow or anytime soon. It makes sense, but who knows when this will be implemented. *edit* or if it will even be implemented. You are all hypothesizing about something that isn't even set in stone. Chill out.
 
Ms.Doctor,

Great info...thanks for keeping us in the loop. :thumbup: If you hear more, please let us know.
 
I actually had turned down Temple's acceptance for Drexel's. I didn't realize Temple was the big boy on the block in Philly next to Jefferson and Penn. This seems kind of bad for Drexel. I was slightly thinking about attending, but I think this cements my plans of not going there.
 
:thumbup: cool, now maybe I can
 
Adapt: Maybe you should consider waiting to find out what the end result of this is before jumping the gun. Nothing is set in stone, Tenet has not approved anything. This wasn't the plan selected by Tenet. This really goes for everyone. This isn't like it's the end of the world for Drexel, or even close.
 
Also another interesting article to show that Drexel has not been sitting idle in terms of getting new hospital affliations (I love Google News):

http://home.businesswire.com/portal...d=news_view&newsId=20040506005825&newsLang=en

I'm editing this with a quote from the article:

"Drexel University College of Medicine has established some of the most highly innovative and rigorous academic programs available today, incorporating science and technology into traditional medical training. Drexel's College of Medicine has participated in pioneering clinical trials involving the world's first implantable artificial heart, established one of the largest regional centers for spinal cord research, developed an ob-gyn center overseen by internationally prominent specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, and created one of the largest centers for malaria study in the nation. The College of Medicine has been designated one of 19 Vanguard National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and is highly respected in numerous other specialties including neuroscience, orthopedics and hepatology."
 
nascentdoc said:
I thought you were going to Rush :confused:
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My SO is currently doing his residency in Philadelphia, and I'd like to be in the same city as him. But as of now, it's Rush :)
 
I just heard about this, and am kinda worried. I have to choose between Temple and Drexel (ironically), by Monday. Do you think this is really serious, or just another bump in the road that will blow over? Do you think it will affect our rotations/matching?? If you had the choice, why would you pick Drexel? (Im leaning twd Drexel...) PLEASE HELP I know this will help a lot of people out there THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
lisa13579 said:
My SO is currently doing his residency in Philadelphia, and I'd like to be in the same city as him. But as of now, it's Rush :)
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Well, best of luck to you wherever you decide to go :luck: I'm sure it will be a great experience either way.
 
The whole MCP deal really is super old news... I'm surprised to see so many people having a cow over this considering everyone knew it was going to close down in December. In any case, the MCP closure will NOT affect your ability to match, nor will it have any affect on your rotations as med students! We have TONS of affiliations throughout PA and a few in NJ. Makes it nice so you get to experience different hospital systems during your med school years! In addition, if you end up having to do away rotations (outside of Philly) the school has housing for students and pays the cost! I really would NOT sweat this at all... Now if you were a Drexel resident at MCP it makes a big deal, and unfortunately there's going to be a few good docs that are going to have to be let go... But as a med student, you're NOT going to notice any difference! BTW, I'm a 2nd year IFM student (actually, 3rd year now since we're all done w/ classes!!!!).
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciate all the feedback current students (Ms. Doctor and Babinski Bob) have been giving about the school.

ForensicPath-thanks for posting those extra articles. I saw that you have another acceptance in hand, so good luck with your decision. If you do withdraw though I hope your space goes to Lisa.

Bob- What I was "having a cow" over wasn't the loss of the site for clinical rotations. As you said, that is old news. I am more concerned about the article saying Drexel would lose faculty and other resources. I am still worried about that. If you or anyone else hears anything new please let us know. Good luck on the boards!

Thanks again
 
myID said:
ForensicPath-thanks for posting those extra articles. I saw that you have another acceptance in hand, so good luck with your decision. If you do withdraw though I hope your space goes to Lisa.
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I actually withdrew from NYMC and from a couple of waitlists (most notably Tufts). The only other possibility that remains for me is getting off the waitlist at Jefferson.
 
ForensicPath said:
One more article, if you don't mind. I feel like people may need some reassurance after the MCP news.

http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2004/04/26/story3.html
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Keeping things on a positive note, I just saw this article as well.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040524/uksa001_1.html

edit: It's a press release for a product (with accompanying hype) and not exactly an "article," but I still think it's nice to see this kind of thing out there.
 
maugham said:
... it could be devastating for Drexel Med due to loss of training money it gets form the government. A representative from the school said the school may have to drastically cut students and staff.
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To that end, I've heard they recently cut the incoming class of 2008 by 25 and will cut the class of 2009 down to 175 (from 250)...
I haven't "officially" heard this, just heard rumor from students/applicants.
 
snapdad said:
Keeping things on a positive note, I just saw this article as well.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040524/uksa001_1.html

edit: It's a press release for a product (with accompanying hype) and not exactly an "article," but I still think it's nice to see this kind of thing out there.
Click to expand...


Oh! First Consult is really cool. I was asked to be part of the evaluation by Elsevier on the PDA. I was really impressed and excited for it to come out!
 
snapdad said:
Keeping things on a positive note, I just saw this article as well.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040524/uksa001_1.html

edit: It's a press release for a product (with accompanying hype) and not exactly an "article," but I still think it's nice to see this kind of thing out there.
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I like how they refer to Drexel as a "top medical school" and "elite." It just goes to show you that much of the bashing that Drexel receives on these boards is unwarranted and just plain incorrect. In the end the opinions of a bunch of "know-it-all" premeds carries no weight so long as those that do matter realize that Drexel is a respectable institution.

I like how Drexel is continuing to be on the forefront of integrating technology with medicine and medical education. This will surely continue to boost its reputation a great deal within the next decade.
 
ForensicPath said:
I like how they refer to Drexel as a "top medical school" and "elite." It just goes to show you that much of the bashing that Drexel receives on these boards is unwarranted and just plain incorrect. In the end the opinions of a bunch of "know-it-all" premeds carries no weight so long as those that do matter realize that Drexel is a respectable institution.

I like how Drexel is continuing to be on the forefront of integrating technology with medicine and medical education. This will surely continue to boost its reputation a great deal within the next decade.
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:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I e-mailed Drexel a couple of days ago to ask for confirmation about them reducing their class size because of the problems going on at MCP Hospital. I received a reply from Dr. Allan Tunkel, the associate dean of admissions. He stated, "Given some of the issues surrounding MCP Hospital, the class size for the group entering in August 2004 is being reduced from 250 to 225."

I guess that pretty much says it. It might explain why the waitlist hasn't moved yet so far this year. More people have to turn down acceptances before any spots open up for us on the waitlist.
 
i personally think the reduced class size is a good thing. That means that there will actually be room for everyone in the lecture hall if everyone shows up, although I'm sure that won't be a problem but it's still nice to have room for all.
 
It is unless you're on the waitlist hoping to get an acceptance from the school.
 
Reducing the class size will make Drexel more competitive to get into (eventhough it's already very competitive), which I think is a great thing. Maybe people (i.e. SDNers) will finally show some more repect for the school.
 
Nice update.

I was browsing the Drexel website the other day and I stumbled across the Technology Commercialization Office. It seems as though this is a way for business and industry to collaborate with the research and technology that is developed at Drexel. In other words, Drexel is looking to license their scientific developments to business (particulary start-up companies). Now the problem with start-up companies is usually with finding investors for a number of reasons. Start-up companies do not usually have a high success rate because of funding problems. However, if they are professionally managed, investors are more likely to fund these companies. This is where Drexel comes in. The other problem is that economic conditions are not exactly favorable for new business at the moment. The website states that despite the current economic conditions 13 companies have been started that use Drexel technology. This is definitely positive considering the factors mentioned above. The website also points out that Drexel is in a unique position to "synergize" a relationship between the College of Engineering and the College of Medicine. This will continue to further Drexel's status as the "technological leader in Philadelphia."

I'm not sure how long Drexel has been doing this or if this is common among other universities. I also don't know too much about economics or business, but to me what this means for Drexel is simple: more dollars. This will bring in money to the University to help it to continue to expand. In the long run other companies, such as the major pharmaceutical companies, will see the opportunities at Drexel and they will invest. This creates more research, which will in turn bring in more NIH money.

If you click the "Industry Services" tab at the top of the page I linked, you can browse the 350 patents that Drexel is offering for commercialization. Some of them are actually kind of interesting.
 
The latest dean's message to the students affirmed that Drexel is completing an affilitation agreement with Abington Hospital. So while we are losing MCP, we are gaining both St. Peter's and Abington as main clinical education sites.

Just wanted to pass along...
 
Ms. Doctor--thanks! Do you know where these are?
 
St. Peter's is in Jersey, I *think* near New Brunswick. Abington is in the area around Philly. Not sure of the specifics. :)
 
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