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MCKENZIE, Tenn. (June 12) Optima University
will soon open near McKenzie. The resident
college, designed to help medical students
pass the USMLE (United States Medical
License Exam) will be located in the former
McKenzie Retirement Center, State Route 22
north of McKenzie, in Weakley County.
Eihab Sullivan, M.D., PhD, said the center
would open later this year. Currently,
construction contractors and approximately
15 laborers are converting the former
retirement center into dormitories and an
adjacent barn is being converted to
classrooms and lecture halls. The school
will open once construction is complete,
said Dr. Sullivan.
Students, who have attended medical schools
for dentistry, medicine, nursing and
pharmacy, will attend Optima University,
where they will attend class, study and are
guaranteed to successfully pass the USMLE
upon completion of the course of study at
Optima. Students will train eight to 10
weeks or up to six months, said Dr.
Sullivan. Initial student enrollment will
probably be 25-30 students. Students will be
offered the opportunity to participate in
clinical training and rotations in various
hospitals. The staff will consist of medical
doctors and other professionals, plus clerks
and secretaries. Dr. Sullivan said much of
the staff would be recruited from the
geographic region.
When asked "Why McKenzie," Sullivan said he
"loves McKenzie and Tennessee." He
particularly likes the scenic country and
the quiet areas.
Optima's main office is in Totowa, New
Jersey. For more information, visit
www.ou.md. |
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