You will be hearing more about these plans in the weeks and months ahead. In doing so, we will strengthen more than our own institution. I'll say here what I've said so often this past year. A stronger Health Center, grounded in superb education and research, will create better healthcare in our region and state. A well regarded academic medical center attracts quality physicians not only to itself, but also to nearby hospitals where its students and residents continue to learn.
Physicians know that care is heightened in an atmosphere stimulated by inquiry and investigation.
The Penn system's turnaround of the past year gives us in academic medicine a reason for cautious optimism. That system was in deep financial trouble and now it stands on much more solid ground - a tribute to the administration's business acumen during this era of diminishing reimbursements. We at the Health Center should certainly share in this optimism, tempered though it is. As Penn has shown, it also takes bolus doses of determination, fortitude and courage. Peter J. Deckers is dean of the School of Medicine and interim chancellor of the UConn Health Center.