October 15, 2012 - UConn School of Medicine - University of ...

Dean’s Council
October 15, 2012
Minutes
Present: Drs. Hoch, Lalande (3:36 p.m.), McFadden, Nissen, Palmisano, Puddington, Rose,
Ferris (for Oliver), and Tennen (for Babor).
Absent : Drs. Arnold, Babor, Gould, Lafreniere, Oliver
Others in attendance: Dr. Leslie Bernstein, Chair of the Oversight Committee, liaison
Donna McKenty, Director of Finance and Administration for the School of
Medicine, ex officio
Dr. Frank Torti, Dean, School of Medicine and Executive Vice President for
Health Affairs, University of Connecticut Health Center, ex officio
The Meeting was called to order by Dr. McFadden, at 3:32 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Dr. Nissen, seconded by Dr. Rose, to approve the minutes of the
August 23, 2012 meeting, as presented.
Favor to approve: Drs. Hoch, McFadden, Nissen, Palmisano, Puddington, Rose, and
Ferris
Abstentions: None
Motion passed: 7:0
2. Proposal: Center for Quantitative Medicine
Dr. Torti presented the proposal to create a new Type II Center: Center for Quantitative
Medicine. He provided details as to the focus and rationale of the plan, stating the concept
is significant to the future of the Health Center as we recognize the importance of using
quantitative methods to solve problems of human disease. The Center will house in one
place core faculty involved in systems biology using sophisticated mathematical modeling;
human transcriptional genomics which will complement and coordinate with The Jackson
Laboratory’s efforts; manipulation and evaluation of large medical datasets; and biostatistical
approaches to large data sets. Responding to questions of the Council, Dr. Torti stated the
Center will be a primary interface of the Health Center to the Jackson Laboratory initiative
and part of the UConn-wide Institute of Systems Genomics. Further, faculty will be closely
allied to the Virtual Cell project.
Motion made by Dr. Nissen, seconded by Dr. Palmisano, to approve the proposal
to create a Center for Quantitative Medicine.
Favor to approve: Drs. Hoch, McFadden, Lalande, Nissen, Palmisano, Puddington,
Rose, and Ferris
Abstentions: None
Motion passed: 8:0

Meeting Minutes – Dean’s Council – October 15, 2012
3. Overview of Dean’s Council
Dr. Les Bernstein, Chair of the Oversight Committee and its liaison to the Dean’s Council,
provided an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Council. Discussion ensued
regarding the governance structure and whether streamlining processes would be beneficial.
Specifically, Drs. Rose and Nissen explained both UME and GME are subject to
accreditation standards which must be adhered to and which often drive decisions as to
policy and/or procedure. Complying with the edict of the Bylaws which requires Education
Council and Dean’s Council to approve the necessary changes before they can be
implemented slows the process of compliance with the standards. Further, Council
members may not have the depth of knowledge of accreditation standards and practices of
UME and GME necessary to fully understand the impact of their decisions regarding policy
and/or procedure for educational programs. Dr. Bernstein stated proposals to amend the
Bylaws may be submitted to the Oversight Committee, one of the roles of which is to review
proposed changes to the Bylaws and implement the amendment process.
4. Instructor Equivalent Rank – Continued Discussion
In Dr. Arnold’s absence, the item was tabled for future discussion. In regard to the item,
Drs. Hoch and Lalande stated the Research Council is working on creating an instructor
rank for basic scientists. The Council discussed sending the finalized model to the Clinical
Council for its work in developing an equivalent rank for clinicians.
5. New Business
There was none.
6. Council and Committee Reports
Research Council
Dr. Hoch reiterated Research Council is working on the instructor equivalent rank.
Clinical Council
Dr. Palmisano reported on the status of expanding the outpatient practice base for the
Health Center. Storrs and Southington offices are opened and running well and an office
has been added in Canton. Further, a site is being sought in the Avon/Simsbury area.
Education Council
Dr. Nissen stated Education Council has been working on new policies for academic
standing and leaves of absence.
Public Issues Council
Dr. Ferris stated Public Issues Council is examining its role and membership composition
and elected Dr. Douglas Oliver to serve as its chair.
Motion made by Dr. Lalande to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
Favor to approve: Drs. Hoch, McFadden, Lalande, Nissen, Palmisano, Puddington,
Rose, and Ferris
Abstentions: None
Motion passed: 8:0

Meeting Minutes – Dean’s Council – October 15, 2012
The next meeting of the Dean’s Council will be held on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. in
the Walker Conference Room, AG 070.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Boccuzzio