Dear Colleagues,

It is with some sadness and great regret that I inform you that I have resigned my position as Dean of the School of Medicine, effective October 15.

I am proud of the School's continuing legacy to unsurpassed quality in undergraduate medical education and graduate training. The educational opportunities for our students are outstanding, and will continue to thrive as the school moves forward with our plan to build facilities to enhance the student experience.

I have had, and continue to have, the greatest respect and admiration for our faculty. I have never hesitated in my support of your academic endeavors, or in my personal mission to foster an environment of research productivity and excellence. I am proud of the focus that has come to our research programs over the past five years: in cancer, maternal and child health, neurosciences, and urban health. I remain firm in my belief that a strong research portfolio is a critical component to our future success, and that focus of our scarce resources is essential.

As affirmed with the recent contract agreement between the university, the University Physician Group and the DMC, I firmly believe in the partnership between our institutions and strongly support a combined strategic planning effort. I also believe that it is imperative that our faculty practice continue to explore a path toward fiscal independence and unified strength. It is toward this end I have struggled to provide the leadership that will allay our fiscal vulnerability and enhance our opportunities to support programs and recruitment essential for stability.

In a large enterprise such as ours—with 900 full time faculty, among the largest student bodies in the country, a research portfolio of $132 million and a budget of more than half a billion dollars; with a commitment to educating physicians and scientist of the highest caliber; and with a mission to uphold the health of our greater community—it is perhaps too easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. It is impossible, in times of financial uncertainty and tightening budgets, to appease all interests. I believe, however, that I have remained steadfast to strengthen our position as the key partner in this academic medical center and to push our progress toward becoming one of the premier medical schools in the country. 

The challenges facing our School, the medical center, the university and my successor, are formidable. The school cannot allow the interests of those whose stake in our work holds little understanding or regard for our missions to override our chartered course toward preeminence. I believe our future depends on a clear and united vision.

I appreciate the opportunity to have worked on your behalf as dean for the past five years, and I remain committed to the success of the School of Medicine in all its endeavors.

Sincerely,

John Crissman, MD