Excellus BlueCross BlueShield defrays cost of key textbook for medical students at SUNY Upstate

Medical students at SUNY Upstate Medical University have been given a free copy of a key medical text thanks to a donation by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Central New York Region.

A $5,000 donation by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Central New York Region, enables 164 medical students who are participating in the clinical phase of their education at SUNY Upstate's Syracuse and Binghamton campus to receive a copy of "The Practical Guide to The Care of the Medical Patient." The guide offers students concise, up-to-date information on common ailments and diseases.

"We're grateful for the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield donation and the company's commitment to supporting the education of tomorrow's doctors," said Robin Steencken, chair of the Parents and Family Association (PFA) of SUNY Upstate's Medical Alumni Foundation. "Being able to defray the costs of some necessary supplies, such as textbooks, for medical students, is one small way we can lower the cost of a medical education."

During the first three years of medical school, the PFA, supported by donations from parents, alumni and corporations, provides students with their medical white coats and copies of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," as well as "The Practical Guide to The Care of the Medical Patient."

About 650 students are currently enrolled in SUNY Upstate's College of Medicine.