The Scope E-Newsletter January 2010 Dean's Retreat Focuses on Progressing Research from Good to Great

Dean's Retreat Drs. Mark Mckinney, Amy Leblanc, George Kabalka, and Kathleen Hudson The Third Annual Dean's Retreat, held in December, brought together UT Graduate School of Medicine Department Chairs, Program Directors and Service Office Directors as well as representatives from the colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy and University Health Systems, to discuss opportunities to progress the research enterprise from good to great.

"As an Academic Medical Center," said Dean Jim J. Neutens, PhD, "this is an essential step in defining who we are and what we do for the community as well as the region."

In fact, the importance of research is reflected in the core values of the strategic plan developed in 2009 by Graduate School of Medicine and UHS administrators to promote basic science and clinically relevant research and to cultivate physicians to be educational scholars, lifelong learners and informed consumers of clinical research. Tactics include creating an Office of Medical Education and Research, increasing the number of faculty who produce scholarly activity, and increasing the number of fellows and residents who produce scholarly activity.

The Graduate School of Medicine currently has several resources available to support research success including an institutional review board, research laboratories, collaborations with external enterprises, statisticians, hospital personnel including nursing and risk management, and grant fund management through the business office.

The retreat included presentations by Amy Paganelli, Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration, on financial aspects of research including current grants and partnerships, and by Mitchell Goldman, MD, Chair and Residency Program Director of Surgery, discussing his department's success of combining research and scholarly activity. This leads to positive effects on accreditation, faculty recruitment, and the ultimate goal of developing the "complete" doctor.

Dean Neutens noted the retreat was a starting point for discussions among departments to determine opportune areas for research; potential collaborators, both internal and external; whether current research activities are adequate for program re-accreditation; and what needs must be met to enhance research within the departments. As the Graduate School of Medicine moves research from good to great, it will increase its collaborations and strengthen its relationships within the University system and throughout the community.