Rapid change in growth and expansion, along with the stress placed upon us by changing health care policy and finances, make these interesting times in which to live. Dr. Pickleman's report was, as one might guess, straight forward, direct and honest and provided a challenge to all of us to make the department a success. It has been said for many years that the triple threat no longer exists in academic medicine. This has become a truer than not reality. However, a department of this size and with the success we are experiencing, can in fact be a triple threat department.
Programmatic development is an ongoing challenge to the department.
We have examined all of our divisions, looking at our current strengths and high volume programs. Our goal is to continue to expand on our strengths and to grow in areas where we see opportunities in our subspecialty, as well as, our primary surgical programs. A vitally important but transparent need for the department to support its growth and development and its plans for the next millennium are a sound administrative structure. The department is fortunate to have a superb administrator in Mr. Jonathan Rozenfeld, who has been a critical organizational force in the department's transition. The expansion of our administrative group will continue.