2008-10-03 17:53:22 - New Curriculum Retains Future Members of Cleveland's Medical Community

MedTrack, a four-year advanced science track offered by Padua Franciscan High School, helps students to develop the skills, knowledge, and relationships needed for success in Cleveland's medical community. MedTrack also strengthens students' connections to the Cleveland area, preventing 'brain drain' - the departure of talented young professionals to other cities and states.

'MedTrack helps students build strong relationships within

the Cleveland medical community, in addition to teaching the science and math needed for a medical career,' said David Stec, Principal of Padua Franciscan. 'We know that Padua students have strong ties to the Cleveland area, and MedTrack's collaboration with medical professionals is designed to prevent brain drain by strengthening those relationships and keeping talented future medical professionals here in Northeast Ohio.'

With more than 500 healthcare related companies and facilities in Northeast Ohio, the need for doctors outpaces supply, and population growth trends suggest that the demand for doctors and healthcare services will continue to grow. MedTrack's relationship-building component ensures that Padua students develop strong connections to the Northeast Ohio medical community.

The MedTrack program was motivated by the number of current students (43%) who have expressed an interest in pursuing a professional medical career, and as evidenced by the large number of medical alumni. The new curriculum offers students excellent preparation for pre-med studies at the university level and advanced studies. Starting in the freshman year, medical professionals will mentor and provide role models for students.

Interested students can sign up now for the MedTrack program for the 2009 freshman school year. Application and requirements can be found on the Padua website, www.paduafranciscan.com/medtrack.

Padua Franciscan is the largest private, co-educational secondary school in northeast Ohio. It is one of the few schools officially chartered by the State of Ohio as college-preparatory. In 2004 and 2006, Padua was named one of the nation's top 50 Catholic secondary schools by the Acton Institute. Padua is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Agency.