Thursday, May 26, 2011



University of Minnesota Medical School 

Dean Aaron Friedman:

Driven to Dissemble?


"I remain deeply concerned that words used in the article imply a situation that's simply not grounded in fact. "
University of Minnesota Medical School Dean Aaron Friedman


Last week, nearly 200 University of Minnesota and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the Cancer/Cardiovascular Research Building, the latest in the university's Biomedical Discovery District.
The event recognized both the legacy and future of our health sciences. It also allowed for reflection on the public and private support that makes our continued success a reality. In April, the new Amplatz Children's Hospital opened its doors.

This month, 1,000 health sciences graduates will be launched into service and practice. These events depict the real story of the university's Medical School. They stand in stark contrast to a Star Tribune article that raised questions about the Medical School's finances ("Money crunch wounds U Medical School,'' May 1). 

I remain deeply concerned that words used in the article imply a situation that's simply not grounded in fact. The university's health sciences represent a $1.44 billion enterprise. Yes, we were affected by the Great Recession.
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See the point by point analysis by the Star-Tribune of Friedman's earlier attempt to sweep problems under the rug:

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And yes, 15 percent of our budget represents state funding, and promised cuts will lead to another round of difficult decisions for all of us. But we've made the tough decisions necessary to ensure financial stability. Minnesotans have high expectations for our university.

I want to ensure all of them that the Medical School remains on solid financial footing and is positioned to continue its 160-year tradition of educating physicians for our families and communities.

DR. AARON FRIEDMAN

The writer is vice president for health sciences and dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

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