Message from the Dean

This summer, Indiana University School of Medicine cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons received approval and funding from the Clarian Health Board of Directors to relocate our adult cardiovascular program to Methodist Hospital. Their proposal to consolidate services and join their colleagues at Methodist came after months of rigorous and frank discussions among leaders of the School, Methodist and IU primary and specialty medical groups, the Clarian Joint Medical Staff and Clarian Health Partners.

Consolidating clinical and research services on the Methodist campus will require $28 million to renovate and expand existing facilities. When the new research facilities and faculty offices are completed, the Krannert Institute of Cardiology also will be relocated from its home on the IU Medical Center campus to Methodist's 16th Street campus.

This development is the most recent agreement between IU and Methodist physicians to join in providing patient care at one state-of-the art location within the Clarian Health system. Last year, the Departments of Family Medicine and Behavioral Health (Psychiatry) agreed to consolidations that resulted in an outstanding outpatient facility for Family MedicineÕs ambulatory clinic and outpatient residency program. Behavioral Health's inpatient care also was consolidated on the 16th Street campus.

This year, the hospital-based Departments of Pathology and Radiology at IUSM and Methodist Hospital are working on consolidating management and integrating clinical services within Clarian Health. The infrastructure supporting all these new endeavors includes a new monorail between the IU Medical Center and Methodist campuses and a new digitized radiography system that will reduce costs and increase convenience for physicians providing services in the three Clarian Health hospitals and the ambulatory beltway facilities.

Our goal in partnering with Methodist Health Group to consolidate our hospitals in 1997 was to create one of America's most progressive health care organizations and a stronger Indiana University School of Medicine. As I report on these events, I see the promise of that early vision emerging. These recent events indicate we are moving toward a stronger School of Medicine and maintaining a financially solvent hospital system at a time when major hospitals in the United States are financially threatened and schools of medicine are being forced to reduce their faculty ranks.

I look forward to continuing my report on the results of our changing environment in our January 2000 issue. Until then, I extend my most sincere wish to you for a marvelous holiday season.

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