For the potential students at TCMC - I would not worry. While interviewing at TCMC this past week I was pondering about this type of situation and what would happen in the event that TCMC lost a portion or all of their state funding. I was very impressed with the leadership at this school. They have a lot of experience and I could see how excited and committed they were to the success of this school. Although times are tough with the economy, TCMC has depth in its leadership team and a great leader that will enable them to chart through the rough waters of our current economic situation. They also have spread their fiscal roots wide; the state is just one, although important, of those roots. Also remember that our government is in the process of deciding on an economic stimulus package. In that pie there is a slice for education. Although that is not yet guaranteed funds for PA or any other state, I believe it will pass, and if not, there will probably be another package or bill that follows to refuel secondary education funds. I also believe there will also be changes for funding healthcare to come with the new administration. For those who are fortunate enough to be accepted to TCMC, here is what I would keep in consideration when making the decision between this and other schools and I would not even question whether this school would stay afloat.
1. They are deeply committed to their students' success. The faculty and staff are very personable and have already invested much of their lives and futures into the success of their students. Being a new school they are completely dependent on you succeeding so they can succeed. This means you will get valuable attention here that you might not get at other institutions.
2. They are a stand-alone school. This means they have the freedom to teach or run the school in a way that is best for medical students – that means your experience will be tailored to YOU. That is a big thing for me.
3. The community surrounding TCMC is excited about the school and will be supportive of your ideas and ways that you as a student will want to reach out to them. An instant good relationship with the community – it is so valuable to feel like your needed and you are contributing to those around you. It really takes the edge off of the stress when you feel that you are contributing to the community, even indirectly by being part of the new med school, and that people in the community appreciate what you are doing.
4. There are not yet any student organizations – leadership opportunity! As future physicians we will be responsible for the lives of so many other people. We will play important roles in our communities where we will be responsible for the hospital's or our own or group's practice's relationship with the community. There is only one way to develop the leadership skills and acquire the tools we will need – that is by being a leader. With a new medical school we would be able to start almost any student-led organization we could come up with.
5. Many other reasons
In short, although we have to be wise and realistic, I wouldn't let the financials be a huge deal when considering this school – of course be smart with your own. The school will succeed. Just look at all the positives. I am excited about this school and would love to go here.
1. They are deeply committed to their students' success. The faculty and staff are very personable and have already invested much of their lives and futures into the success of their students. Being a new school they are completely dependent on you succeeding so they can succeed. This means you will get valuable attention here that you might not get at other institutions.
2. They are a stand-alone school. This means they have the freedom to teach or run the school in a way that is best for medical students – that means your experience will be tailored to YOU. That is a big thing for me.
3. The community surrounding TCMC is excited about the school and will be supportive of your ideas and ways that you as a student will want to reach out to them. An instant good relationship with the community – it is so valuable to feel like your needed and you are contributing to those around you. It really takes the edge off of the stress when you feel that you are contributing to the community, even indirectly by being part of the new med school, and that people in the community appreciate what you are doing.
4. There are not yet any student organizations – leadership opportunity! As future physicians we will be responsible for the lives of so many other people. We will play important roles in our communities where we will be responsible for the hospital's or our own or group's practice's relationship with the community. There is only one way to develop the leadership skills and acquire the tools we will need – that is by being a leader. With a new medical school we would be able to start almost any student-led organization we could come up with.
5. Many other reasons
In short, although we have to be wise and realistic, I wouldn't let the financials be a huge deal when considering this school – of course be smart with your own. The school will succeed. Just look at all the positives. I am excited about this school and would love to go here.
Last edited: