Message from the Dean

How important is teaching to the IU School of Medicine? Is it a part of our definition of scholarship for our faculty?

Too often scholarship is judged only by a faculty member's frequency of publication. Published research is extremely important and highly valued at Indiana University, a public university with a goal of joining the top tier of academic research institutions. But our definition of faculty scholarship must also include teaching and clinical service. To achieve our unique mission as Indiana's only medical school, our faculty must be proficient in all three. We must expand our definition of scholarship as our institution evolves to meet twenty-first century needs.

Excellence in scholarship is exhibited by the faculty member -- whether full-time or volunteer -- who is dedicated to finding the best ways of teaching tomorrow's physicians. Outstanding teachers participate in continuous improvement of a curriculum that leads to the best outcomes. They mentor students in ways that demonstrate the importance of research and quality practice patterns, while preserving patients' rights and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. They work hard to hone their skills as communicators, and encourage fluency in rapidly changing electronic and multimedia technologies. They work together to create learning environments which demonstrate that the world of medicine includes cultural diversity, reimbursement bureaucracies, ethical dilemmas and solutions that recognize social mores. And, finally, but not least in importance, they teach the value of partnering with our patients and communities.

All of us are learning and increasingly appreciate the need for a partnership with our patients. Without this partnership, the cure too frequently goes begging. The cover story in this issue of your magazine is a good example of how important the learning continuum is to the health of the community. Teams of IUSM faculty, community physicians, nurses and patients in Indiana are making a difference in the outcome for individuals with diabetes. Please savor the excitement these caregivers and patients are experiencing when everyone participates in a program that improves the health of the community by capitalizing on Indiana's traditions of medicine. This is modern medicine!

Robert W. Holden, MD '63
Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine
Walter J. Daly Professor