Mount St. Mary’s University is partnering with Frederick Regional Health System (FRHS) to better meet the health care needs of the university’s students and expand the health-care-oriented academic program. The organizations have agreed to discuss building a health and wellness center on or near campus to provide access to primary care, urgent care and lab and other services not only for students but also for local residents whose current health care options are limited.
Monocacy Health Partners (Frederick Regional Health System's physician group) will provide students expanded health care services, including wellness, preventative and primary care, as well as sports medicine, at the university’s health center in McGowan Hall. A certified nurse practitioner and a medical office coordinator will staff the center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Services will include such expanded offerings as depression light therapy, nebulizer prescriptions for asthmatics and medical treatment for students needing prescription medications in partnership with Counseling Services.
“I am thrilled that this partnership will allow us to expand and improve our health and wellness services for students, including student-athletes,” said Mount St. Mary’s President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. “We are more than doubling the number of hours a week that a medical practitioner is on campus to more than 40 and adding services that previously had to be obtained elsewhere.”
"This is a natural next step to expand our partnership with Mount St. Mary's University. We want to ensure that all students have access to the services and care they need. We are committed to improving the health and well-being of all Frederick County residents," said Thomas A. Kleinhanzl, president and CEO of Frederick Regional Health System.
The agreement also renews FRHS support of Division 1 athletic teams and adds medical services for the Mount’s club and premier sport teams. “I am particularly excited about the addition of an athletic trainer who can provide support for our national champion men’s rugby team, ensuring continuance of our winning tradition,” said Jay Myles, men’s rugby team coach. In addition, annual physical examinations will be provided for returning and incoming student athletes in all sports, and regular clinics will be held for evaluation of Division I athletes with injuries and illnesses based on athletic trainer requests.
Under the agreement, the Mount’s health-care-oriented academic programs will also be enhanced. The partnership includes internships for undergraduate and MHA Mount students with FRHS, health care and sports medicine courses and appropriate access to FRHS’s online medical databases and educational programming.