LECOM Class of 2016 Arrives on Campuses July 27-29

July 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Erie and Greensburg, Pa.; Bradenton, Fla. - The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is set to welcome the largest class of medical students in the country.Five hundred thirty-six students will arrive this week at the College’s three campuses: Erie and Bradenton on Friday, July 27 and in Greensburg on Sunday, July 29. Classes begin Monday, July 30 at all three campuses.

The class of 2016 includes students of varying backgrounds from traditional pre-medicine students just out of undergraduate schools to nurses, pharmacists and physician assistants who want to further their health care careers.

This year’s medical class boasts an array of talent. Erin Broderick began her acting career at the age of 13, working with Patrick Swayze in the movie Black Dog. From there, she landed the role of Maureen Stabler – the daughter of detective Elliott Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni) – on the long-running NBC TV series Law & Order SVU.  She worked at a hospital to earn money so she could continue auditions in New York and realized that she wanted to become a physician.  Her brother was studying to become a physician in New England and encouraged her to apply to osteopathic medical school.  She chose LECOM Erie for the low tuition, cost-of-living and innovative programs.

Before applying to LECOM Bradenton, Shawn Schmieder played with his share of stars as a football player at the University of Florida. Schmieder, a walk-on offensive lineman and member of the Gators’ 2008 national championship team, played with the likes of quarterback Tim Tebow (New York Jets), receiver Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) and center Markice Pouncey (Pittsburgh Steelers). While not as well-known as his teammates, Schmieder earned his recognition in the classroom. He boasted a 3.69 GPA in Biology and was named to the Southeastern Conference’sAcademic Honor Roll as he prepared for medical school.

LECOM at Seton Hill continues to attract future physicians who earned their undergraduate degrees through the Early Acceptance Program (EAP) at Seton Hill University (SHU).  Alexandria Cisowski, Amanda Leonard and Lauren Mathos were among the first SHU students to enroll in EAP, which guarantees admission to LECOM upon completion of their undergraduate requirements. Cisowki chose the 3 + 4 path, while Mathos and Leonard completed four years at SHU. All three come from hometowns just a few miles from the campus.

Offering the highest quality and most affordable medical education, LECOM continues to attract the best and the brightest students to its campuses.  LECOM received more than 11,000 applicants for the 536 student seats in the College of Medicine.
The combined enrollment of the three campuses has reached 2,201 medical students and the College remains the largest medical school in the country.Including dental, pharmacy and graduate studies, LECOM now has more than 3300 students.
Before classes start on Monday, students will enjoy an open house on July 28 in Erie and Bradenton and in Greensburg on July 29. LECOM faculty and staff will be available to answer any questions and give students a tour of the buildings.
Second-year osteopathic medical students report to campus on Aug. 6. New Students enrolled in the School of pharmacy arrive in Erie and Bradenton in mid-August and the School of Dental Medicine students began classes earlier in July at the new Bradenton campus building.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine offers innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania,Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM believes that when mind, body and spirit  come together the impossible becomes suddenly possible. It is a calling each and every one of our students embodies to become the best they can be. To prevent disease and treat it.To give hope. Can you hear the calling?