What will this process produce?
It’s an open process originating from the Dean of the School of Medicine. We want to take on tough issues and prepare for the future. There are no foregone conclusions.
Have other schools done this?
Not exactly. Others have looked at aspects of what they do – clinical care or research, independently, for example.
What’s been done so far?
We’ve selected the consultant through a competitive state procurement process, held an initial meeting to collect ideas and held a day-long retreat involving more than 100 people, to get things rolling. Task forces are meeting on various subjects, and we continue with periodic meetings between the task force chairs, medical school leadership and consultants.
What areas are being looked at?
We have task forces for the four missions of the School of Medicine – Education, Clinical Care, Research and Community. We have enlisted broad participation from the Dean's weekly emails, through recommendations from the dean, senior associate deans, chairs, directors, our affiliates and others on the Anschutz Medical Campus. We have volunteers representing faculty, staff, students and our community.
What are examples of changes being considered?
Remember it is an open process without foregone conclusions. That said, here’s an example: Are we organized as well as possible to get research grants and to gain approval for clinical trials? Also, school-wide, how do we find and change wasteful redundancies? How do we assure that our clinical care is accessible, of the highest quality and safe for our patients? There are many ideas on the table.
Is this a competition among programs to see what gets support and what doesn’t?
No. We’re looking for ways to position the school for continued future success. That includes operating more efficiently, keeping tuition costs down and finding new revenue sources so we can invest more resources in programs.
Tell me about the consulting firm you’ve hired.
Navigant is a global consulting firm that specializes in health care and other areas.
How can I learn more about strategic planning?
Watch this website, which will have updates on progress and upcoming meetings. We also have posted readings on the topic of change as well as each of our missions.
Who do I contact with questions or suggestions?
Send an email and someone will get back to you.