Letter from the Chair

Dear Colleagues,

Being a member of the Faculty of an esteemed institution such as the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine is high recognition of clinical and academic excellence, but it is also a great responsibility. Among our responsibilities is adherence to the highest levels of professionalism by being ethically centered, scientifically founded, and compassionately oriented in the delivery of medical care.  These are all critical to our personal and institutional success, but equally important is contributing to the activities that create the environment for our professional success. At a time when we are asked to be a part of “Making History: The Campaign for Penn” by our crucial financial contributions, I ask each of you to make an additional GIFT-Get Involved, Find the Time for Penn Medicine. Let’s re-define professionalism to include active involvement in defining our academic and clinical environment.

Professional involvement can take many forms. Certainly actively participating in divisional, departmental and school activities and committees is important. Active involvement in the running of the hospital or medical school by serving on committees and being attuned to the administration’s needs is key. Involvement also includes activities within organizations dedicated to furthering your particular specialty or area of research, both at a state and a national level.  The cost is time, but the rewards can extend far beyond your own personal benefit.

The Medical Faculty Senate is an easy first step that offers you the opportunity to speak to those who affect our environment and make your concerns heard.  Over the past several years, we have put forth several policy changes that have been adopted by the administration of the School of Medicine. Chief among these is the new career development process.  You spoke, gave guidance on what you wanted to happen,  and the Administration heard!  This year, we are striving to make the MFS meetings more accessible to the Faculty. In addition to the afternoon meeting in the fall, we have scheduled a lunchtime meeting in the spring to accommodate more of your schedules.  We have also invited University President Amy Gutmann to be our guest in the spring. We are the largest faculty component of the University of Pennsylvania and our voice should be heard at the highest levels.

To quote my friend Jeffery Apfelbaum, M.D., Chair of Anesthesiology at the University of Chicago and 2007-2008 President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, “ If you are not at the table, you might be on the menu”. I look forward to working with every one of you this year as Chair of the Medical Faculty Senate.  I hope you will join me at the table as we together work to make Penn Medicine a professional environment the offers not only the highest caliber of academic and clinical standards, but one that supports and nurtures individual Faculty.

Take the time, make the commitment to GIFT for Penn Medicine, and start by supporting and participating in YOUR Medical Faculty Senate.

We encourage your suggestions, comments and questions. Please email us at mfs@mail.med.upenn.edu at any time.

Best Regards to you all,

Jonni S. Moore, Ph.D.

Chair, Medical Faculty Senate 2008-2009

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