WSU School of Medicine Dean John Crissman addressed several ongoing concerns at a recent faculty and staff forum. Issues covered included plans for renovations in Scott Hall, efforts to improve research administration, formation of a single clinical practice group and ongoing contract negotiations with the Detroit Medical Center. The following provides highlights of the Dean's talk.
enovations in Scott Hall: Although engineers have begun assessing Scott Hall's heating, cooling and electrical systems, no specific plans have been made regarding renovations. Floors four through nine are scheduled to be renovated, however the $25 million provided through a university bonding effort will not be sufficient to complete the project. It is anticipated that a single quadrant, possibly the building's southeast quadrant, will be selected. The school also is looking at which researchers work in Scott Hall, which ones are funded and how much space is allotted to researchers in general. Once all assessments are complete, the Dean's Office will meet with individual departments to develop a plan for renovations.
"There are no final plans," Dr. Crissman said. "Certainly, we are trying to minimize problems caused to investigators."
Research Administration: Dr. Crissman has appointed a committee to evaluate how the School of Medicine's research enterprise and ways the university's research administration can be streamlined to improve service to investigators. Bruce Berkowitz, Ph.D., WSU associate professor of anatomy and chair of the Faculty Senate's research committee, will lead the group in cataloging ongoing problems and suggesting solutions. The action follows a white paper written by John Oliver, Ph.D., WSU vice president for research, demonstrating a need for increased support.
"It's very clear from the way research administration works in this school, it's very clear from the way research administration works in the university: It leaves much to be desired," Dr, Crissman said.
Formation of a single, multidisciplinary practice group: Chairs of WSU School of Medicine departments have been asked to sign non-binding letters of intent to explore the possibility of establishing a single, multidisciplinary practice group. Dr. Crissman said this structure is the model for academic medicine and will allow WSU physicians to compete as an efficient and effective practice group. Although he acknowledged that forming a single practice is "a little controversial," Dr. Crissman said that several of the existing groups will go ahead and form the group.
"These groups will be the ones in on the ground floor defining what this model is," he said. "The others will ultimately see the wisdom and join the single group; this clearly is the direction we all have to go."
DMC partnership: The School of Medicine has entered negotiations with the Detroit Medical Center for the first time under CEO Mike Duggan's leadership. Dr. Crissman said that he is hopeful. Although five WSU practice groups were once in dire straights, none are in such a position today, although Internal Medicine continues to struggle. He said he is confident that the DMC will recognize, as the Institute of Medicine has, that academic medicine holds the advantage in the marketplace of providing multidisciplinary patient care.
"Our partnership, while far from being perfect, is starting to grow," Dr. Crissman said.