Orl Sentinel Editorializing for UCF Med School

[FIUFan]

Well it looks like the Orlando Sentinel is putting its full editorial weight behind the medical school efforts of UCF ( www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-ed31105oct31,0,7420399.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines ). They are complimenting the cooperative nature of the two schools in what appears to be a joint effort to procure financing from the state legislature. They also make a good point that the proposals need to be well received by the current 4 public medical schools (UF, USF, FSU and not sure about the other one).

In my opinion, the Orlando community is all pulling together as they are a much longer shot to get the school than we are. However, their attempts, may be the anchor around our necks, that pull the whole thing down. It's fairly straight forward; three medical schools in a 100 mile radius, none in all of S. Fla. Fairly homogeneous population; under served minority community. Johnny come lately's; many years of medical school studies. Seems like a no brainer to me.

And by the way, we're still waiting to see where our 'hometown' paper stands on this issue. The presentations by the two university presidents are less than three weeks away. I wonder if this silence by the Herald means anything.

[FIUFanatic]

Very nice editorial indeed.....it seems that both UCF and FIU are using a similar strategy when both FIU and FAMU got their Law Schools in a package deal as well. I hope this strategy will pay its dividend when it's all said and done......there's a lot riding into this decision by both institutions....Obviously, we need to make our presentation even better with help coming from all fronts, be it community based support and/or a lot of dollars$$$$.

As for The Miami Herald support, they already wrote an editorial of support for FIU's Med School on January 24, 2005......I would think that they would "re-support" on a coming editiorial on the issue with more updated information supporting our Proposal for a Medical School.....Here's a copy of that editorial:

Posted on Mon, Jan. 24, 2005


A boost for Florida's health and economy

OUR OPINION: APPROVE FIU'S BID FOR A NEW STATE MEDICAL SCHOOL


Florida needs to prepare for a looming doctor shortage by creating another medical school, and it should do so at Florida International University. An FIU medical school would produce doctors more likely to stay in Florida, practice in underserved communities and be sensitized to our ethnically diverse population. The financial costs would be minimized for taxpayers because FIU does not plan to build a new teaching hospital. The new school, moreover, stands to bring high-end jobs and increased research funding to South Florida, the state's biggest economic engine.

A strong case

In short, a state medical school at FIU would be an economic and healthcare boon to Florida. It would also help the entire region by attracting both healthcare providers and students from throughout Latin America. We urge the Florida Board of Governors of Higher Education, which must approve the endeavor, to reach the same conclusion on Thursday when FIU presents its strong case for a new four-year medical program.

Florida's growing and aging population drive increasing demand for doctors. The state needs 2,500 new doctors a year to meet that demand, but Florida schools -- private and public -- produce only 500 a year. At present, more than 80 percent of our doctors come from elsewhere. Projections now suggest a national shortage of some 85,000 doctors by 2020.

The University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University also are competing for state approval and funds for a medical school. FIU, however, is best positioned to deliver what Florida needs for modest start-up costs.

For starters, FIU would draw from a large pool of minority candidates. It plans to train med students in local hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices, which would strengthen their roots and familiarize them with the healthcare peculiarities of this area. With low state-tuition costs, graduates would carry much lower debt, and thus be more likely to work in public health and underserved minority communities and to stay in South Florida. Today, relatively few local physicians trained here.

Economic impact

FIU has funding sources for the $64 million needed for facilities; included is a $10 million donation that promises to generate $30 million in matching funds. FIU would also save money by partnering with four local hospitals to provide training and residencies. Thus, FIU wouldn't need to build a new teaching hospital.

The $35 million, two-year, start-up investment that the state would have to cover will pay off handsomely once the school is up and running. FIU President Mitch Maidique notes that tax revenue generated by the institution alone would pay off state operating funding. Research grants and an overall economic impact of $1 billion are the bonuses.

[FIUFan]

Nice editorial by the Herald, though it's 9 months old. I especially like this passage: "The University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University also are competing for state approval and funds for a medical school. FIU, however, is best positioned to deliver what Florida needs for modest start-up costs."

And this one: "The $35 million, two-year, start-up investment that the state would have to cover will pay off handsomely once the school is up and running. FIU President Mitch Maidique notes that tax revenue generated by the institution alone would pay off state operating funding. Research grants and an overall economic impact of $1 billion are the bonuses."

However, 9 months between commentary is an extraordinarily long time for such an important endeavor for this community. They should reiterate their position again as the review date approaches. I just think they should be pursuing this issue with at least as much vigor as the Orlando paper is.

Thanks for tracking down that editorial 'fanatic.

[FIUBlue82]

Maidique will not allow FIU not to land that Medical school. He has worked too hard to come up short. Also, Dr. Rosenberg, now almost assuredly the next state Chancellor, has put in his fair share of effort. This WILL happen and FIU will have its reputation and "tier status (currently, we are a 4th tier university) improve and be cast into the national and international scene.

Great things are on the horizon...