2010-2011 Department of Medicine Scorecard

Jesse Roman, M.D. Department Chairman

It is my pleasure to submit this year's University of Louisville Department of Medicine Scorecard to the School of Medicine leadership.

The department continues to enhance its clinical enterprise, improve and expand its educational programs, and excel in research and innovation. This is in line with its goal of becoming the top academic internal medicine program in the region by 2015.

Highlights about the department's accomplishments include:

• Hired 47 faculty (19 since January 2011) since Chair's arrival one September 1, 2009.

• Developed Specialized Programs of Excellence and a Disease Management Program in COPD.

• Made great strides in hospital service including medical records completion (from 19.1% in July 2010 to 9.8% in May 2011) and medication reconciliation (93% of the time). In addition, its teams were able to accommodate an outstanding 64% increase in patient admissions (way higher than other groups at ULH).

• Continued to excel in Quality Improvement programs related to discharge instructions, ventilator-associated pneumonia scores, and a reduction in 30-day readmission rates (9% instead of expected <19% for AMI; 16% instead of expected <23% in HF; 15% instead of 18% for pneumonia).

• Faculty participated in important hospital and university committees and are involved in critical initiatives related to the electronic record and clinical practice integration, among others.

• Continued to excel in research despite the climate at the NIH. It attracted over $30 million this year; and several multi-center grants were obtained by Cardiology and Infectious Diseases. Grant dollar density is ~$200/sq. ft. Regarding NIH ranking, the department ranked 50 among 134 schools.

• Published over 300 manuscripts, reviews and chapters, and faculty received important honors including three lifetime achievement awards.

• Thirteen new faculty members joined the honorary Southern Society for Clinical Investigation (SSCI). U of L now has the highest success rate of nominations to the SSCI; 27 since Chair's arrival.

• Started a new mentorship program for junior faculty. Six faculty promoted to the rank of Associate Professor (3) or Professor (3).

• Obtained high scores from students (e.g., 4.33 overall average for Medicine Clerkship - SOM standard <3.95; 0% dissatisfaction amongst students regarding learning environment – SOM standard <3%). Our faculty are also actively involved in interdisciplinary teaching and small group sessions, and participate in efforts related to LCME.

• Identified new AHEC sites and recruited new gratis faculty at these sites for medical student education. Faculty are currently working on a comprehensive plan that will enhance student and resident education after the ULH/JH/CHI merger.

• 93% of residents reported a high quality experience, and the pass rate for the American board was 90%.

• Residency program was accredited (6 year cycle) and showed a 100% match rate. All division main subspecialty fellowship programs are accredited.

• Submitted a balanced budget (no deficit) despite delays in hospital contracts and uncertainty about safety net dollars. The Dean’s tax was paid.

The success of the department is due to the strong commitment and dedication of its faculty and staff, the hard work of its trainees, and the wonderful support of partner programs and the institution.  I am extremely proud of working hand-in-hand with some of the most gifted people I know; people who are committed to this organization and who demonstrate their compassion and high quality care for their patients, their passion for education, and their quest for discovery through investigation on a daily basis.

Jesse Roman, M.D.

Professor of Medicine

Chairman, U of L Department of Medicine

► Special thanks to Sherry Hertel, Christy Haden, Dora Bir, Jamie Rittenhouse, Brian Knop, Monica Ann Shaw, and Barbara Casper for their invaluable assistance in the creation of this document.