Department News

Highlights of Brown Bag Meeting – August 16, 2006

1.         Dr. Schulz introduced Mary Hensley the Center Director for the newly formed NeuroScience Center. This Center will be the first center in the Medical School to have a thematic approach around a specialty. Mike Nemcek will become Assistant Director for Academic Operations and Deb Melander will be leaving her position in Family Practice to become the HR Lead in this Center. 

 2.         UMPhysicians’ practice plan ended their fiscal year $10,000 above expenses. It is important to have the practice be self-sustaining.  Thanks to all the faculty and staff that made this possible.

3.         Dr. Schulz updated the faculty on the Department’s current work with Minnesota State Operating Services.  He reported that our department is collaborating with the State of Minnesota for development of their billing services and recruitment of psychiatrists for their new hospitals.

 4.         Dr. Curdue reported that she had received the latest patient satisfaction survey report.  She commented that there has been an improvement of at least 20% in many areas such as:

• Ease of appointment scheduling
• Front desk support
• Overall physician care

 5.         Dr. Curdue stated that we are now ranked 4^th out of the 20 departments in patient satisfaction.   She also commented that clinic productivity has tripled.

 6.         Next meeting on September 6.

S. Charles Schulz
Professor and Head