Introduction
Penn State College of Medicine, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a world-renowned institution known for its innovative approach to medical education and research. Established in 1963, the college has a rich history of academic excellence and has produced many distinguished alumni. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Penn State College of Medicine that you may not have known.
The History of Penn State College of Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine was established in 1963 with the aim of training medical professionals to serve the people of central Pennsylvania. The college was initially part of Penn State University’s main campus in University Park, but in 1967, it moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and became an independent institution. The college has since grown to become a world-class institution of medical education and research, offering programs in medicine, nursing, public health, and biomedical research.
The College’s Unique Curriculum
Penn State College of Medicine’s curriculum is unique in that it emphasizes early clinical experiences for its students. First-year medical students spend six weeks working in local clinics and hospitals, allowing them to gain real-world experience in patient care from the start. Additionally, the college has a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) program that spans the entirety of the third year of medical school. This program allows students to follow a cohort of patients over an extended period, providing them with a deeper understanding of the patient experience.
The college’s curriculum also emphasizes interprofessional education (IPE), which involves students from different healthcare disciplines working together to provide comprehensive care for patients. This approach promotes teamwork and collaboration, which are essential skills for healthcare professionals.
The College’s Contributions to Medical Research
Penn State College of Medicine is a leader in medical research, with a strong focus on translational research, which seeks to apply scientific discoveries to improve patient care. The college’s research programs cover a wide range of topics, including cancer, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases.
One notable example of the college’s contributions to medical research is the development of the first effective vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine was developed by Dr. Ian Frazer, a former faculty member at Penn State College of Medicine, and has since been widely adopted around the world.
The college is also home to the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is a world-class medical center that provides cutting-edge care to patients from central Pennsylvania and beyond. The medical center is renowned for its expertise in cardiac care, cancer treatment, and neurosurgery, among other specialties.
The College’s Commitment to Community Service
Penn State College of Medicine has a strong commitment to community service, with many of its students and faculty members volunteering their time and expertise to serve the local community. One example of this is the college’s Lions Pantry, which provides food and essential items to students in need.
The college also has a student-led organization called Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), which is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON raises funds to support children with cancer and their families and has raised over $180 million since its inception in 1973.
The College’s Distinguished Alumni
Penn State College of Medicine has produced many distinguished alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of medicine. One notable alumnus is Dr. Frederick C. Robbins, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954 for his work on the polio virus. Dr. Robbins graduated from Penn State College of Medicine in 1939 and went on to become a world-renowned virologist.
Another notable alumnus is Dr. Randolph A. Stone, who is a pioneer in the field of trauma surgery. Dr. Stone graduated from Penn State College of Medicine in 1975 and went on to establish the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland, which is one of the world’s leading trauma centers.
Other notable alumni include Dr. Thomas E. Starzl, who performed the world’s first liver transplant, and Dr. Edward P. Junker, who developed the first artificial hip joint.
The College’s Unique Location
Penn State College of Medicine is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is a small town known for its chocolate-making industry. The town was founded by Milton S. Hershey, who established the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1905.
Today, Hershey is home to many attractions, including Hersheypark, which is a popular amusement park, and the Hershey Gardens, which features over 23 acres of botanical displays. The town also has a rich cultural history and is home to the Hershey Theatre, which was built in 1933 and is renowned for its Art Deco architecture.
Conclusion
Penn State College of Medicine is a world-class institution that has made significant contributions to medical education, research, and community service. From its unique curriculum to its commitment to community service, Penn State College of Medicine is a truly exceptional institution that has produced many distinguished alumni. Its location in Hershey, Pennsylvania, only adds to the college’s charm and unique character, making it a great place to study, work, and live.