The Commonwealth Medical College Orientation

The Commonwealth Medical College Welcomes Its First Students

The most exciting recent development in Scranton's resurgence entered its next phase as students began arriving at the Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC). With more than two years of planning and preparation finished, TCMC will now begin training the next generation of Northeastern Pennsylvania medical professionals.

The 65 students - 70% of whom come from Pennsylvania - that make up the first class of Scranton's first medical college took part in orientation activities, getting acquainted with each other and with the school's faculty and staff.

Orientation included an overnight camping trip, regional cake-decorating competitions and a chance for students to write what they expected from their experience in four years of medical school. They also learned to repair bikes, to play bocce, to knit and to fish.

President and Dean of TCMC Bob D'Alessandri, MD, commented on orientation on his blog: "We said from the beginning we wanted a different kind of medical school. Where physicians would learn to communicate, work in teams and enjoy the learning process. We told prospective students we were not teachers but partners in their education. Today we had a chance to put all our ideas into action."