Editorials have appeared recently in this paper questioning the merits of the discussions currently under way involving the Kansas University Medical Center. These discussions are designed to explore the possible benefits of expanded educational and research partnerships between the medical center and other leading biomedical institutions in our region. Unfortunately, the misleading conclusions of these editorials are not based on a clear understanding of what is really going on. The editorials have questioned my motives and those of the KU School of Medicine. Your readers deserve to know the truth and it’s time to set the record straight.

These editorials have attempted to portray the KU Medical Center as an institution in crisis. Nothing could be further from the truth. We remain a vibrant engine for education and innovation. Last year our external funding from the National Institutes of Health increased an amazing 21 percent. That is a testament to the ability of our excellent faculty to compete for these dollars.

The governor and legislature share the view that the school is worthy of investment by allocating an additional $5 million to support our quest to obtain National Cancer Institute designation for a cancer center. Kansans can be rightfully proud, as I am, of the faculty, staff and students whose talent and hard work make this success possible.

All of these accomplishments were achieved in partnership with our primary teaching hospital, the Kansas University Hospital.

Much has been made in these recent editorials about conflict between the KU Hospital and the KU Medical Center. While some level of tension is inherent in the nature of the relationship between any school of medicine and its teaching hospitals, we have made great progress in partnership with the KU Hospital. Our faculty are their doctors. We share a campus, a brand, and a mission for improving health. As a member of the hospital’s board, I remain committed to working with the leadership of the KU Hospital to achieve great things together.

It’s important to note the KU School of Medicine already has existing research and education partnerships with Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Veterans Administration hospitals, Wichita’s Via Christi Regional Medical Center and Wesley Medical Center and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. We should not fear the exploration of how these existing relationships might be expanded for the benefit of our region and those served by the KU School of Medicine.

There are some who are more interested in defending “what is” rather than considering “what could be.” To remain competitive as a region we must evolve, and investment in the life sciences presents the best opportunity for us to be competitive in the new global, knowledge-based economy.

We have the opportunity for the KU Medical Center to become a world-class medical center offering advanced clinical care, attracting and training the best and brightest physicians, and advancing human knowledge and patient care through research. This medical complex will become the economic engine for the state and region.

All this can happen because of the unprecedented opportunity offered by the Stowers Institute, community financial commitments and marshaling of community assets. We can vault to a position of scientific and clinical preeminence if only we are willing to work together toward a unified vision.

While the state has made a strong investment in the school, the KU Hospital’s investment in the medical school, compared to other peer academic medical centers, is very low. While the KU Hospital currently provides about $30 million a year in support to the medical center, national statistics would peg the appropriate level of support at $60 to $80 million per year. That level of support is fair and sustainable allowing the KU Hospital to honor its statutory mission to support the educational and research mission of the School of Medicine.

I recognize these are complex issues that deserve a cautious approach, and no one involved is rushing blindly into any agreement. The citizens of this state own this medical center and we consider their interests paramount.

But as the discussions continue let me be very clear about a few points:

¢ I will not support any partnerships or affiliations that I believe to be detrimental to the future of the KU Hospital.

¢ I will not support affiliations that transfer Kansas taxpayer dollars to directly benefit Missouri-based institutions.

¢ I will not support any affiliations that reduce the number of resident physicians from KU serving in the KU Hospital.

¢ I will not support any affiliation that would compromise our commitment to train doctors for Kansas or to serve indigent Kansans.

¢ And, I will only support affiliations that advance the vision of creating and sustaining new levels of excellence in the KU School of Medicine – and thereby contribute to improving the health of our state and region.

The recent editorials have created a much bleaker view of our campus than the reality that actually exists. I can assure you we are rallying around a promising shared vision for the future. These are exciting times full of great possibility. While unanimity among a diverse faculty is not always possible, our campus is rallying around the many opportunities to create the world-class medical education, research and care center Kansans deserve. We are committed to moving Kansas forward.