First student accepted into LECOM looks forward to liberal arts core

The first student accepted into LECOM looks forward to liberal arts core
Alexandria Cisowski, a senior at Hempfield Area High School is the first student accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill University (SHU).

By Tiffany Gilbert

Editor in Chief


The first student accepted into LECOM looks forward to liberal arts core
Alexandria Cisowski, a senior at Hempfield Area High School is the first student accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill University (SHU).

“From the time I set foot on campus, I fell in love with it and all it had to offer,” said Cisowski.

“My main career aspirations are to basically be the best doctor that I can be,” said Cisowski. “I would like to provide my patients with complete care in a comfortable environment.”

The medical field was not always an option for Cisowski. She considered entering the field during her high school career and decided to enter a science profession while interacting and helping people.

Cisowski will enter the 4+4 program offered by LECOM, which allows students to earn their undergraduate degrees and immediately enter the next four years of medical school.

LECOM also offers a 3+4 program that allows students to earn their undergraduate degrees during their first year of medical school. All students begin in the 4+4 program as freshman but those who re-apply are assessed during their junior year of undergraduate to determine if they have the opportunity to enter the 3+4 program, said Irving Freeman, vice president for LECOM at SHU.

The four-year medical school program establishes the first two years as learning basic sciences with a problem-based learning program. The second two years consist of clinical rotations in a hospital, said Freeman.

“It is really nice to be able to attend only one university for seven or eight years,” said Cisowski.

Since LECOM at SHU is an additional site to its main campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, students have the opportunity to attend a liberal arts university and enroll in the 3+4 and 4+4 programs.

The liberal arts core at SHU is a requirement LECOM students at the main campus and branch campus in Bradenton, Florida do not have in their curriculum. The benefit to students enrolled at LECOM at SHU is the opportunity to enrich their experience, said Freeman.

“I believe the liberal arts core will help me to learn more about people and cultures which will help me to relate better to people. This will help me not only help me be a better doctor, but a better person,” said Cisowski.

Staff, students, and educational programs of each institution will merge together and generate a new opportunity for the surrounding community.

“I am delighted that Seton Hill and LECOM have developed a cooperative program leading to the Bachelor of Science in biology/Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees.   This is a cost and time effective way for students to complete their studies,” said Mary Ann Gawelek, provost and dean of faculty.

The adoption of LECOM to SHU’s campus will give students the opportunity to learn and work in an area like Greensburg, said Freeman.

“It is simply a great benefit for our region.   Since a large percentage of Seton Hill students are ‘native’ to Pennsylvania; they are likely to stay in the area as professionals.  This will provide well trained doctors, particularly primary care providers, to our region,” said Gawelek.

LECOM’s facilities occupy the ground floor and auditorium of Lynch, two rooms inside Reeves Library and construction has begun for their own parking lot. LECOM’s classes begin July 27 and will open its doors to 104 students.