One orthopedic practice is not on the sidelines when it comes to supporting local sports. Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists (COS), has announced a new scholarship fund and support agreement with Quinnipiac University (Q.U.), thus expanding its existing relationship to include the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine.
“Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists is proud to be a supporter of the Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, ” stated Glenn Elia, chief executive officer at COS, in the August 15, 2016 news release. “We give our financial support, professional time, and clinical expertise to their students and are excited to see them mature, give back to the community, and become a part of the health care delivery system in Connecticut.”
As indicated in the news release, “…COS will provide $250, 000 over five years to support scholarships at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine. A portion of the donated funds will also be used to attract students into the program. COS will also provide orthopaedic surgeons and other providers to instruct students in labs, teach seminars and mentor students who are doing honors research…”
“The most important thing that COS offers to the medical school is the opportunity for our students to interact with their surgeons, ” stated Dr. Bruce Koeppen, founding dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine.
Elia told OTW, “We discovered long ago that having deep ties to local organizations is good for business. And when the business in question is a growing academic institution with a new medical school, it’s really a no-brainer. We’ve had a relationship with Quinnipiac University for two decades which has included providing a team physician for their major sports teams, athletic sponsorships as well as academic support. Up until this year those connections were primarily with the School of Health Sciences (i.e., physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing) as well as their athletic and development offices. However, now that Q.U. has opened their Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine the opportunities to connect have increased exponentially. We can now offer their students and faculty direct access to our clinical expertise and rehabilitation operations while at the same time building relationships with well-educated medical professionals who may one day become part of our team. It’s a win-win for both organizations. That’s why we decided in 2016 to deepen our ties with Quinnipiac University and structure a 5-year business partnership.
“We believe it’s vital for musculoskeletal practices to maintain wide recruitment pipelines. It’s increasingly difficult to locate trained medical personnel who can help our practice grow. And when it’s possible to develop a symbiotic connection with a local institution focused on generating quality medical professionals it seems prudent to nurture that relationship. There is also the added benefit of supporting a local business which is good for the entire community.”
