Papadakis discusses MCP at University Assembly
Craig Eisenberger
Issue date: 4/9/04 Section: News
In a speech to the University, President Constantine Papadakis laid to rest the myriad of rumors regarding the Medical College of Pennsylvania hospital currently owned by Tenet Health Care.
"We are not buying MCP hospital," Papadakis said in his March 30 speech, making the University's intention clear.
"I'd like to say that our University is doing great," Papadakis said after greeting the crowd. "You are probably sensing it yourselves."
However, he mentioned that the University is facing challenges mainly involving the medical school's issues with Tenet and MCP hospital.
"Tenet Health Care decided they would close the hospital because they were losing money," Papadakis said summarizing the past year's events.
When Drexel was given notice that MCP would close, Papadakis said that the University started to look for alternatives.
Papadakis proposed creating more master's programs. He mentioned that Drexel attempted to create a master's in clinical research, but that they did not have the time to recruit students.
"There are many programs that are very appealing," Papadakis said.
He said such programs would be a good way for students who didn't make it into medical school to have another year or two of graduate studies.
As another alternative, Drexel also is looking at keeping MCP open with 20 beds in an emergency room, Papadakis said. He also mentioned placing clinical practices, women's programs, the medical school library and a family medical practice in the MCP facility.
"We are not on planning to go to Tenet and say 'OK, we'll give you $50 million to buy the campus,' nor are we going to pay $10 million a year to operate the place unless someone gives it to us," Papadakis said.
Papadakis added that the University is working with the governor's office and federal government to try to maintain Drexel's residence even if MCP closes or operates in a reduced capacity.
In regard to Temple, Papadakis said, "They don't care about MCP."
"Who would care to take over a hospital that loses $50 million a year?" he added. "Are you crazy?"
Papadakis said that Temple's reason for getting involved with MCP is to attempt to take away Drexel's 215 residents in an effort to increase the size of their medical school.
The Temple plan calls for 80 beds open.
"We figured out with 80 beds, that they would lose $20 million a year," Papadakis said. "They don't have the money to do this either."
Temple will make a decision on MCP by mid-April.
Following the MCP discussion, Papadakis opened the floor for a question and answer session, addressing issues and concerns from those in the crowd.
Student, faculty and staff are able to view the University Assembly by accessing it via the Provost's Web page, http://www.drexel.edu/provost.
"We are not buying MCP hospital," Papadakis said in his March 30 speech, making the University's intention clear.
"I'd like to say that our University is doing great," Papadakis said after greeting the crowd. "You are probably sensing it yourselves."
However, he mentioned that the University is facing challenges mainly involving the medical school's issues with Tenet and MCP hospital.
"Tenet Health Care decided they would close the hospital because they were losing money," Papadakis said summarizing the past year's events.
When Drexel was given notice that MCP would close, Papadakis said that the University started to look for alternatives.
Papadakis proposed creating more master's programs. He mentioned that Drexel attempted to create a master's in clinical research, but that they did not have the time to recruit students.
"There are many programs that are very appealing," Papadakis said.
He said such programs would be a good way for students who didn't make it into medical school to have another year or two of graduate studies.
As another alternative, Drexel also is looking at keeping MCP open with 20 beds in an emergency room, Papadakis said. He also mentioned placing clinical practices, women's programs, the medical school library and a family medical practice in the MCP facility.
"We are not on planning to go to Tenet and say 'OK, we'll give you $50 million to buy the campus,' nor are we going to pay $10 million a year to operate the place unless someone gives it to us," Papadakis said.
Papadakis added that the University is working with the governor's office and federal government to try to maintain Drexel's residence even if MCP closes or operates in a reduced capacity.
In regard to Temple, Papadakis said, "They don't care about MCP."
"Who would care to take over a hospital that loses $50 million a year?" he added. "Are you crazy?"
Papadakis said that Temple's reason for getting involved with MCP is to attempt to take away Drexel's 215 residents in an effort to increase the size of their medical school.
The Temple plan calls for 80 beds open.
"We figured out with 80 beds, that they would lose $20 million a year," Papadakis said. "They don't have the money to do this either."
Temple will make a decision on MCP by mid-April.
Following the MCP discussion, Papadakis opened the floor for a question and answer session, addressing issues and concerns from those in the crowd.
Student, faculty and staff are able to view the University Assembly by accessing it via the Provost's Web page, http://www.drexel.edu/provost.
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