Michael J. Vergare, MD
the
dean's
column
2
JeFFeRSon Medical college aluMni Bulletin
g
eorge Mcclellan began Jefferson
Medical college with the idea that medical
school should consist of students taught in a
clinical setting by superb master teachers.
almost 185 years later, this tradition continues
at Jefferson. it begins when students encounter
our basic science teachers and it continues
into their clinical years. although during
the first two years students are taught basic
sciences, the faculty attempts to marry science
education with lessons of the clinical years.
First- and second-year students are exposed
to the clinical setting in a much more
concerted way than was the case 10 years ago.
today, that process begins with simulation
and standardized patients, and, as i discussed
in the spring Bulletin, patients as mentors.
We understand that patients can be the best
teachers. as physicians, our lifelong experi-
ence attests to that.
Because academic excellence is our
priority, we must support faculty who teach
in addition to researching and providing
compassionate clinical care. through a
careful model of how we allocate our precious
resources, we reserve a clear funding line that
goes directly to people who spend their time
instructing future physicians.
each year, these faculty members undergo
a review that includes input from the students
as well as the dean's staff. our students actively
evaluate our faculty. From these faculty evalu-
ations, we know how highly JMc students
value the quality of the faculty and the
teaching and mentoring that they receive.
in addition to faculty evaluations, i've just
completed the budgeting process for the
upcoming fiscal year. in this coming academic
year again, the faculty who are putting in the
time and effort and are doing a quality job
will be funded to teach. it's our first priority
for tuition dollars.
at Jefferson, we back up our beliefs by
recognizing master teachers. For the fifth
year we have rewarded faculty--full-time as
well as volunteer faculty--identified by
students, departments, department chairs
and the medical college as serving as exem-
plary seasoned teachers. We honor them by
awarding the Master teachers award at
Jefferson at a dinner. and in Mcclellan's
memory, we rely on these master teachers to
mentor other teachers.
as i write this column, i am interim dean at
Jefferson Medical college. By the time you read
this column, Mark l. tykocinksi will have taken
the reins as dean and i will have a new leadership
role. i thank you for your support over the last
year and look forward to continuing to serve
thomas Jefferson university.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Vergare, Md
Interim Dean, Jefferson Medical College
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