Message from the Dean

In November we broke ground for a new medical research facility for investigators in biomedical imaging, the medical neurosciences and the cellular, biochemical and molecular biology of cancer. The 65,700 square feet of new laboratories and classrooms will enhance our faculty's basic research and their teaching of physicians, doctoral and post-doctoral students.

This is the first of several critical steps we must take if we are to advance the School's ranking based on National Institutes of Health grants and contracts. In 1999, we placed 38th among all the 125 U.S. medical schools and 15th among public medical schools. So, our goal to move up to 10th place or better among public medical schools by 2004 is a formidable challenge.

To meet it, we must add another 200,000 square feet of new laboratory space (cost: $60 - $90 million) and secure a $9.6 million investment by the School and its faculty. Separately, our research faculty will need to attract an additional $64 million in NIH grants and contracts.

We can best accomplish these goals by creating a robust scientific environment that is attractive to ambitious and successful medical scientists, faculty and administrators. Toward this end, I am pleased to announce that, following the recommendation of the strategic planning committee for research, we have expanded the responsibilities and autonomy of the School's associate dean for research position.

Ora H. Pescovitz, MD, the Edwin Letzter Professor of Pediatrics and director of the pediatric section of endocrinology and diabetology, has agreed to become our executive associate dean for research, bringing to bear her experience as a successful researcher and her national presence as president of the national Society for Pediatric Research.

Please join me in support of Dr. Pescovitz and our strategic plan (available at www.medicine.iu.edu) as we continue in our quest to join the top tier of academic medical centers.

D. Craig Brater, MD
Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine
Walter J. Daly Professor