The Scope E-Newsletter April 2009

This issue of The Scope highlights two of our many "bright spots" in the Graduate School of Medicine. One of these is in the research realm and the other is related to our clinical interests with our partners – University Radiology and University Health System, Inc. (UHS). Dr. Valerie Berthelier's work is truly exciting and a "best kept secret" at the Graduate School of Medicine. Dr. J. Mark McKinney began his position as Chair of Radiology in September 2008. Dr. McKinney has already implemented significant changes to enhance and expand clinical capabilities within the department and is striving with great zeal to also advance research productivity in his department. An additional "bright spot" is that, as a result of a successful 2009 NRMP match, 86% of our 59 new residents who will join us on July 01, 2009, were matched to our Graduate Medical Education training programs. On a national level, a record level of U.S. medical school graduates participated in the match program (almost 400 more than last year) reflecting a growth in the number of medical students being trained in the U.S. These bright spots demonstrate the wide spectrum of activity within the Graduate School of Medicine. Tell your friends in the community, so they can also grow in understanding of the significant positive impact of our Graduate School of Medicine on our community.

A quick note on budget: You have been hearing and reading a lot about stimulus funds to the University and the impact it "could" have on programs. At this point in time, we are working closely with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis to determine what, if any, impact it may have on the Graduate School of Medicine. Please understand it is a rather involved process and that not all dollars were restored to the UTHSC, thereby making it very likely we will still face a significant reduction as of July 1, 2009. Of course, if we do receive any stimulus funds we will simply be postponing the reduction unless there is a major change in the economy and/or funding source. As Chancellor Wall pointed out in a recent email, stimulus funds should be directed toward non-recurring expenses.

On a more positive note, we have been developing our strategic plan in concert with UHS for the last several months. As partners, we realize that we need to grow and meet challenges together if we are to succeed. This combined effort is the first time we have broached the next five years as a fully integrated team. Five major goals were established:

In the forthcoming issues of The Scope we will explain some of our tactics to reach each of these goals. I would ask each of you to look at what you do every day…your actions, your decisions, and so forth to see if they contribute to reaching these goals.