Medical college, University of Scranton need more time for possible affiliation

Before a possible affiliation begins between the Commonwealth Medical College and the University of Scranton, the schools need more time.

In a joint statement, the presidents of the schools said they are extending an agreement to discuss a possible affiliation until May 18. The first deadline, which was announced in February, was the end of March.

"Over the past several weeks, we have engaged in wider discussions with our respective faculty, staff and students," according to the statement released Friday from university President the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Lois Margaret Nora, M.D., the medical college's interim dean and president. "We are continuing to consider the complex questions and issues that surround the possibility of deepening our existing collaborations into an affiliation."

Last summer, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits American medical schools, notified the college that it would be put on probation because of financial difficulties.

At the time, the medical college announced it may consider an affiliation with another institution.

In September, the college and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania entered into an agreement in which the insurance company would "provide a cushion" to the college when it needed additional funding in the next five years.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com

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