By Kiara Catanzaro
News Assignment Editor
Monica Thomas, former University of Scranton education and wellness director, was recently named to the position of Director of Franciscan Health Care at St. Bonaventure University. Thomas previously worked in Pennsylvania before taking over the university’s health care program.
“In this role, I was responsible for the development of operational plans to address campus community concerns and needs through programming, outreach and prevention-related services with the ultimate goal of promoting individual health,” Thomas said.
Thomas said she is enthusiastic and feels privileged to take over the medical care program at SBU.
“I am very excited about being named the Director of Franciscan Health Care Programs (FHCP) here at St. Bonaventure University,” Thomas said. “The FHCP is wonderful program that attracts students from all over the country. I am honored to serve as director of such a prestigious program. I have the privilege of working with numerous offices and divisions across the university, making this a very rewarding experience.”
Currently, the Franciscan Health Care Program is well-established and offers many opportunities and outcomes for students. According to Thomas, students will not see any changes to the program.
“The program, under the umbrella of the FHCP, has several avenues for students to pursue a degree in a medical career,” Thomas said.
Students accepted as freshman are placed into a combined-degree program. They also have the opportunity to apply for early-assurance admission to a medical school during their sophomore year. Otherwise, they can apply as traditional pre-medical students who will apply after they complete their undergraduate degrees at SBU, Thomas said.
She added she hopes students and their families will feel comfortable about contacting her if they have any questions or concerns about the health care program and said she is always available if they have any issues related to the program.
