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http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2820.cfm?Id=22,37244
The $1.8-million shortfall for a new medical school building on the Vermillion campus doesn't just threaten the future of USD's program. It may also threaten the financial future of its students.That's because if South Dakota Lawmakers don't approve an appropriation to cover the costs, the state Board of Regents has already made plans to get the money from another, unlikely source: The med students.
South Dakota lawmakers have yet to take any action on the request for the money needed to finish what the med school and contractors have already started. Still the Board of Regents is already seeking a second source, the students. Paul Bunger, Ph.D., Dean of Medical Student Affairs, says "It's a rare student who works part time as a medical student to try to support and live.
As outlined in a memo, the plan involves assessing an annual facility fee of $1000 per year per medical student, and $500 a year on those studying Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistants. Faculty here worry that will only add to the burdens of medical school. Dr. Rod Parry, Acting Dean of the USD Medical School says, " We're not a cheap medical school. We're a costly public medical school, and I'm concerned that the students may not have the opportunity, given some income brackets to go to medical school."
Bunger adds, " They basically are in a position of either living off of savings, living off of family members who can afford to help, or borrowing." To which, parry responds, " Many of the students are already borrowing the maximum amount of low-interest dollars and therefore, will be using high-interest dollars. This could have a huge impact."
That impact isn't just being felt by students, it could also have an impact on you and the medical care your family receives in South Dakota. Find details in our next HealthBeat.
Jaine Andrews
Doesn't it seem like they are always asking, and usually getting money, while State raises their own money?
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2820.cfm?Id=22,37244
The $1.8-million shortfall for a new medical school building on the Vermillion campus doesn't just threaten the future of USD's program. It may also threaten the financial future of its students.That's because if South Dakota Lawmakers don't approve an appropriation to cover the costs, the state Board of Regents has already made plans to get the money from another, unlikely source: The med students.
South Dakota lawmakers have yet to take any action on the request for the money needed to finish what the med school and contractors have already started. Still the Board of Regents is already seeking a second source, the students. Paul Bunger, Ph.D., Dean of Medical Student Affairs, says "It's a rare student who works part time as a medical student to try to support and live.
As outlined in a memo, the plan involves assessing an annual facility fee of $1000 per year per medical student, and $500 a year on those studying Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistants. Faculty here worry that will only add to the burdens of medical school. Dr. Rod Parry, Acting Dean of the USD Medical School says, " We're not a cheap medical school. We're a costly public medical school, and I'm concerned that the students may not have the opportunity, given some income brackets to go to medical school."
Bunger adds, " They basically are in a position of either living off of savings, living off of family members who can afford to help, or borrowing." To which, parry responds, " Many of the students are already borrowing the maximum amount of low-interest dollars and therefore, will be using high-interest dollars. This could have a huge impact."
That impact isn't just being felt by students, it could also have an impact on you and the medical care your family receives in South Dakota. Find details in our next HealthBeat.
Jaine Andrews
Doesn't it seem like they are always asking, and usually getting money, while State raises their own money?
;D.
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