New program brightens Cole Memorial's future

(Ed Pitchford is president

and CEO of Charles

Cole Memorial Hospital in

Coudersport.)

Last week, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital hosted a very special event.

We were fortunate to have administrators from Lock Haven University, along with State Senator Joe Scarnati; Tom Bowman, representing U.S. Senator Arlen Specter; Dr. Peter Garland, executive vice chancellor for the Pa. State System of Higher Education; local county officials and school district superintendents here to announce the expansion of the Lock Haven University physician assistant graduate education program to the campus of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.

We were also fortunate to have in attendance several of our practicing physicians and physician assistants who are currently providing excellent care to our community.

When the first physician assistant students arrive on campus here in May 2010, it will represent a historic moment for Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and for our local communities.

Becoming a teaching hospital will add a new dimension to our already fine organization. It will enhance our ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest physicians who want to be in a stimulating environment created by the presence of students.

It will provide us with the opportunity to retain the best and brightest physician assistants for the care of our local communities.

By participating in the education process, our physicians and physician assistants will remain fresh and current, staying on top of the latest thinking as the practice of medicine continues to evolve in the 21st century based on the latest research and the continued adoption of medical best practices.

Having a vibrant hospital is essential for the economic stability and future growth of the region. Welcoming 24 new faces to our communities over the first two years of the program will certainly be exciting.

This new program will have many direct and indirect benefits for the hospital and our surrounding communities, and can certainly lead to other opportunities as our relationship with Lock Haven University matures.

We at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital thank all those who have played a role in making this happen for our region. We especially recognize the efforts of our local legislators, who placed a high priority on this project when negotiating for its support in Harrisburg. As the leader of a health care system in transition, I can report to our communities that your area legislators are interested and committed to the wellbeing of your hospital and have consistently responded to our needs and concerns. I couldn't be more pleased with the responsiveness of Joe Scarnati, Marty Causer, John Peterson and Arlen Specter and their senior staff.

As we prepare for the start of this new relationship with Lock Haven and the arrival of the physician assistant inaugural class, we look forward to working with our local communities. Together, we will make this opportunity a lasting success. What is 'My Side?'

Endeavor News believes that the free exchange of ideas benefits the community and upholds our finest traditions of democracy and accountability.

My Side is a column for you, the reader. Either by invitation or on their own initiative, people with information to share, strong opinions on public issues or tales to tell are encouraged to submit essays.

Endeavor News reserves the right to edit submissions for grammatical errors, misspellings, poor taste, vituperative or actionable material. Any edits that are of a substantive nature will be reviewed with the author .

Electronic submissions are preferred, sent to news@zitomedia.net. However, we'll also accept material by mail.