Syracuse University should actively work to maintain a professional relationship with SUNY Upstate Medical University while it considers the possibility of bringing a veteran-focused medical school to campus.

The recent formation of a research partnership by SU and SUNY Upstate is a positive example of the bettering of the relationship between the neighboring universities. The program will allow researchers to pitch ideas for new projects to a panel of judges in order to receive grant funding. Ideally, the projects should benefit the universities in some way. A donation from a member of the SU Board of Trustees will provide the program with $500,000 to start off.

Earlier this summer, the two universities were at the center of controversy after SUNY Upstate officials wrote to Chancellor Kent Syverud that the second medical school would harm Upstate and create competition for patients.

Although SU is only exploring the idea of a medical school at this time, it would be in the best interest of both institutions to uphold a positive relationship within the local community, something that should be encouraged through collaborative programs like the research partnership.

The establishment of this program, particularly as one that benefits the local Syracuse community, is an opportunity to build a stronger partnership between the two institutions, especially during the exploratory period of the SU medical school.

SU’s proposed medical school should not be seen as a threat to SUNY Upstate Medical University and the raised concerns should not be a reason for SU to not move forward with the medical school proposal.

It is important for SUNY Upstate to keep an open mind as SU comes to a decision on moving forward with the medical school. Gregory L. Eastwood, interim president of Upstate, wrote in a July 31 letter to Syverud that a second medical school would stress the already limited resources of Upstate.

Moving forward, the two universities should continue to work together to foster a constructive relationship and promote academic collaboration within the Syracuse community.

Published on September 23, 2015 at 12:12 am

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