Message from the Dean

Valerie Montgomery-Rice, M.D., M.P.H.

It is with great pleasure that I have been given the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Dean of the School of Medicine. My vision is to continue to build upon the already established foundation of excellence that provides a profound platform for academic and scientific programs and maintain a readiness for serving our community through academia, research, and clinical services.

We wish to express our appreciation to the students, faculty and staff for their hard work in preparation for the LCME survey and site visit. The School of Medicine is pleased to announce the approval of an eight year LCME accreditation.

Meharry recognizes the importance in establishing a platform for mentoring and support that will serve the academic customer while ensuring their success as they matriculate through medical school. This year, the School of Medicine has implemented a mentoring program for first and second year students. The program will provide clinical and pre-clinical mentors and is intended to strengthen dialogue between students and faculty. As a part of the enhancement of our integrated curriculum and our ability to measure the effectiveness of our academic program, we have implemented an electronic course evaluation which will serve as a tool for the School’s assessment and critique of courses offered to students. Students are encouraged to complete the evaluation forms promptly upon course completion.

The USMLE Step 2 pass rate showed gradual improvement. Phase II of the Curriculum Reform project was implemented complimentary to the expansion of clinical exposure to interdisciplinary modules in basic science disciplines for freshmen students. The School was pleased to announce 77 candidates for the Doctor of Medicine degree in May of 2006. Match Day was exuberating. Our 2006 national resident match rate for graduating seniors equaled 90.3% and 75.1% of all U.S. graduating seniors.Eighty-six percent of our students matched to one of their top three choices as compared to the national rate of 84.6.

Meharry provides a broad spectrum of healthcare services that include numerous subspecialties. Clinical services at Meharry continue to provide medical care for outpatient services from diagnostic to surgical. The Meharry Medical Arts Center provides a private practice office setting in a state-of-the art facility. Our campus clinical sites provide a consortium of outpatient services which include diagnostics, research and support a suitable learning environment for medical students and residents.

The School continues to build upon its research capacity. A major renovation for research facilities has been launched which will be located on the 5th Floor of the OldHubbard Hospital. This facility will consist of over 27,000 square feet of space devoted to clinical and biomedical research. The centers include the Center for Women’s Health Research and the Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research.

The Center for Women’s Health Research is expected to open in the Fall of 2006. The 10,000 square foot facility is the first of its kind devoted to addressing diseases which disproportionately effect women of color. In our effort to establish viable networks and partnerships with corporate and other healthcare organization, we have launched a national campaign to recruit support for the furnishing of the Center.

AIDS Health Disparities Research continues to expand locally, nationally and internationally. The Center will provide research and training, community outreach services, and basic and translational studies.

The Cooperative Center for Research in Reproduction has recruited over 1000 subjects and continues to be one of the leading research centers at Meharry Medical College in reproductive science.

There has been a steady increase in the number of grant applications submitted over the last three months. In February 2006, 109 applications were submitted with a total request of $16 million over a one year reporting period. In the month of April 2006, 118 applications were submitted.

In the months to come, I desire to converge with the great minds of students, faculty, staff and friends to enhance our School's internal and external relationships by fostering a mutual sagacity of opportunity and trust. It is my charge to examine the School's educational, research and clinical missions as we continue to improve upon this great institution. In my role as Dean of the School of Medicine and Senior Vice President of Health Affairs, I am aware of the critical issues we are faced with in the 21st Century. I will stand with you and for you in our quest to instill and ensure core values and integrity and we will strive collectively to meet the expectations of our promise to the community we serve. The School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College students, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to take part in this great endeavor. We are in motion and I will ensure through my leadership, transparency and fluidity that will produce fruition for us all.

Valerie Montgomery-Rice, M.D., M.P.H.
vmontgomery-rice@mmc.edu
615-327-6337