To Our Faculty, Staff and Students:
Fifty days have passed since we first announced our partnership to create a new building to house our medical education programs. In that time we have developed a planning approach, engaged constituents and, last Wednesday, launched the process with participants from the 13 committees established to identify best options for different elements of the structure. University President Barbara R. Snyder called the gathering a “landmark moment” – we could not agree more.
Our goal is ambitious: We seek to make Cleveland as renowned internationally for medical education as it already is for healthcare. To realize it, we must envision the most advanced approaches to teaching and technology and match them to the challenges of a rapidly evolving medical landscape. We want our graduates to be prepared to lead – in research, treatment, policy and every other aspect of this new environment. We know our students have the intellect and dedication to innovate and inspire – our task is to give them the tools.
Last week we urged those in attendance to dream big. We asked them think beyond what today is considered cutting-edge. This space is for the future, and must be designed with an eye toward flexibility and opportunity. Will our simulations extend to holograms? Will 3-D printing extend to organs? How will big data, genomics, and robotics affect how and what we teach? What does the consolidation of hospitals mean for practicing physicians? Increasing price transparency? And the growth of direct-to-employer plans with medical providers?
Given such questions, it’s no wonder we have 13 committees and more than 130 people involved in this process. In truth, we want more. We want you. At last week’s meeting we asked committee members to engage others with expertise in their areas. Among the committees are those focused on: IT/Global Connectivity, Classroom Configuration, Simulation, Anatomy, and Heritage, Humanities and Professionalism. In addition, we have a committee focused on coordination – that is, how do we capitalize on the efficiencies and synergies available when we are all in the same space? At the same time, how do we maintain and nurture the unique character of each program?
Now that they have been charged, the committees will begin to meet and focus on key questions. Some members will speak to colleagues informally, and we also will create avenues to offer feedback online and in open meetings. For now, though, I urge you to take time to reflect on your own educational experiences as well as the primary questions you see for medicine in the future.
You can learn more about the project by watching a video of the kickoff session here. We will continue to provide updates as the process continues.
