UTGSM The Scope E-Newsletter January 2012 Executive Dean Shares His Vision for Growth

UTGSM Dr. David Stern and Dr. Paul Huffstutter In a town hall meeting, David Stern, MD, Executive Dean for the statewide College of Medicine (COM) at the UT Health Science Center, shared his ideas with faculty and staff for advancing education, patient care and research initiatives despite current economic challenges for medical schools. His answer is partnerships – partnerships among the COM campuses, with the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and within the community.

Dr. Stern, who was named executive dean earlier this year, said he wants to redefine the relationship between the Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga campuses by utilizing each campus's strengths to advance statewide capabilities in the core areas. He believes that extending resources between campuses is key to enhancing the value of the institution.

While Dr. Stern said the Graduate School of Medicine's relationship with the Medical Center is already a unique strength for the GSM, he discussed opportunities faculty and staff may have to increase value to the Medical Center and improve the economic structure, such as developing pathways that are more cost efficient and increasing team integration among clinical areas to define clinical protocols. Similarly, for research, Dr. Stern called for a comparative effectiveness approach for patient-centered outcomes as well as continuing to place emphasis on translational research that will add value to patient care.

To enhance faculty recruitment, Dr. Stern said we need to look to the community, drawing in like-minded practitioners as well as physicians who use new approaches and technology.

The town hall meeting concluded Dr. Stern's first visit to the Knoxville campus. During his visit he also met with Medical Center administration and board members, GSM Board of Visitors members and GSM Department Chairs.