"I’ve definitely always had an interest in medicine, and I’ve seen first-hand the effects of the void of not having enough physicians in an urban area,” said Brian Allen, a senior Biology and Psychology double major at Cleveland State University.
Allen is a member of the first group of students taking advantage of CSU’s partnership with the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). In a few short years, Allen will serve as a physician helping those in underserved communities who battle obstacles when it comes to receiving health care. The partnership is still in its growing stage, but its future, and its role in the Cleveland community, is looking bright.
The Partnership
Although the partnership between CSU and NEOMED was formalized this academic year, it has been in the works for quite some time.
NEOMED, formally known as NEOUCOM (Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine), was established in 1973 in Rootstown, Ohio. During its development it created partnerships with the University of Akron, Kent State University and Youngstown State University. Students from each of these universities were able to apply for a seat within the medical school and pursue a career in the medical field.
“We were the only other public university not in the consortium at that time,” said Mark Penn, vice provost for health affairs at CSU and special adviser to the president at NEOMED.
Past presidents of both CSU and NEOMED discussed the possibility of creating a partnership between the two schools, but no plans were ever finalized. When Ronald M. Berkman became president of CSU and Jay A. Gershen became president of NEOMED, the two lit the spark that would bring CSU into a partnership with NEOMED.
During talks between both presidents, NEOMED added a college of pharmacy and a college of graduate studies to its campus — hence the name change. Soon after, the partnership between the two universities became formal in fall 2011.
Penn explained that CSU wanted to do something different with the partnership as compared to the other three universities already tied to the medical school.
“We said we’re going to have a mission to focus on urban health needs,” Penn said.
By building on the strengths of the university and the urban setting of Cleveland, the partnership has created a strong foundation on which both universities can grow.
Entry Pathways
Allen is one of 35 students to be accepted into NEOMED. After he graduates this spring, he will begin classes at the medical university in August. Other students will be accepted this year, but may begin classes at later dates because of multiple application pathways for entry.
Allen earned a seat at NEOMED through the traditional direct entry pathway. Through this method, CSU applicants who meet certain academic criteria and who are in their senior year of school are assured an admissions interview. If accepted, students will be enrolled at NEOMED the semester following their graduation from CSU.
Although Allen referred to the application process as tiring and strenuous, he believes having a seat in NEOMED is huge and thinks the direct entry pathway is beneficial to students.
Besides direct entry, there are two other pathways for students to apply. The first is called the Baccalaureate/M.D. path. This path allows CSU students with any major to obtain a seat at the medical school. Most students apply as a sophomore, and as long as they meet the criteria and continue to meet the criteria as they finish up their time at CSU, then their seats will be maintained at NEOMED once they are accepted into the program.
“It really gives a wide range of degrees and backgrounds of students,” Penn said about this pathway.
The second pathway for entry is called the Post Baccalaureate/M.D. path. This method is designed for students who have already received a baccalaureate degree from a university, but would now like to change their focus to medical school. Students will be required to take certain prerequisite classes before being admitted into NEOMED. As with the previous method, this path creates a range of both backgrounds and careers. Students must also continue to meet the academic criteria before attending the medical school.
NEOMED is currently in the midst of the application process. This is the first year students have been able to apply using the Baccalaureate/M.D. or Post Baccalaureate/M.D. paths. So far NEOMED has received over 100 applications from students.
“That’s a very good number for our very first year,” Penn noted. “We’re really pleased with our numbers right now.”
New Home
With the vast number of construction projects taking place on campus, one project has slipped under the radar.
The historic Union Building, located at 1836 Euclid Ave., is currently under renovation. Once completed, the building will be home to NEOMED offices and classrooms.
“It’s a great location…right in the heart of campus,” said Joe Mosbrook, the director of strategic communications at CSU.
CSU has partnered with Liberty Development Company to transform the space. The project will cost around $18 million to complete, but the university will receive historic tax credits for rehabilitating a historic building.
The plan is to gut the entire building. Recently signs have been placed around the building warning of loose asbestos fibers, but Mosbrook assures that this is just protocol. He said that all disturbed asbestos will be removed and abated during the renovation, and any undisturbed asbestos will remain in the building since it does not pose a health risk.
“We’re following all asbestos procedures to a tee,” Mosbrook said.
The finished building will be modeled after a medical center, complete with examination rooms and laboratories. Penn explained that students will most likely spend their first and second years at NEOMED in Rootstown, and then will transition to the space in Cleveland for clinical experience.