WPAHS, Temple University To Establish 4-Year Medical School
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- West Penn Allegheny Health System and the Temple University School of Medicine announced plans today to create a new four-year medical school on Pittsburgh's North Side.
The announcement of the expansion was made this morning at a press conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Officials say the health system already serves as a clinical campus for third- and fourth-year med students with the Temple University School of Medicine. With the expansion though, the health system will be able to offer all four years of undergraduate medical education to students.
"Today, we are announcing our mutual commitment to establish a four-year medical school campus of Temple University School of Medicine in Pittsburgh," said Dr. Christopher Olivia, the CEO of WPAHS. "In fact, just right across the Allegheny River, in the historic North Side, students - many from this region - will receive their four full years of undergraduate medical education right here in Pittsburgh."
The classroom setting will be based in Four Allegheny Center and Allegheny General Hospital will provide clinical education.
According to officials with the health system and university, 30 students will be accepted in the first class of the new medical school program, which is scheduled to start in 2013.
"Allegheny General, with its full complement of graduate training programs that are residents and fellows will provide the next step on the education path for tomorrow's generation of physicians," Dr. Olivia said. "The overall objective is to fill the physician pipeline and address the shortages particularly in primary care."
Officials say Temple has been ranked among the top 50 medical schools in the nation for research.
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West Penn Allegheny Health System
Temple University School of Medicine
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