Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Dean Carol Herbert says The University of Western Ontario remains committed to supporting the Windsor program and creating a standalone medical school is not in the works.
Herbert’s comments come in the wake of recent controversy surrounding the resignation of two senior leaders at the satellite campus at the University of Windsor.
“I want to affirm for everyone the ongoing support for Windsor,” she says.
The University of Windsor, The University of Western Ontario, along with partners in the London hospitals and the Windsor hospitals “remain absolutely committed to the idea of integrated medical education throughout Southwestern Ontario and particular to a robust Windsor program,” says Herbert.
Dr. Jim Silcox has assumed the role of Acting Associate Dean for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry – Windsor Program upon the announced resignation and retirement of Dr. Tom Scott.
After having played an instrumental role in establishing the Windsor program since his appointment in 2007, Scott resigned from his position as associate dean for Schulich’s Windsor program and director of medical education for the University of Windsor effective May 31, when he retires. He is on holidays until March 31 and will return in April to complete the academic term.
“The plan has been in place to begin the process of selection and recruitment of a new leader and that will begin this week,” says Herbert.
Scott’s permanent replacement is expected to be announced by May 31.
Silcox, a retired faculty member and obstetrician-gynecologist, will take over the position in the interim. He acted as former Vice Dean Education, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education at Schulich. Although he retired from the school and medical practice four years ago, he continues to be involved in the mini-med school and other outreach activities.
As Vice-Dean Education, Silcox was instrumental in getting the Windsor program up and running. And as a Windsor native, Silcox understands the importance of the Windsor program in the community and surrounding area, Herbert adds.
The announcement of Scott’s resignation was not a surprise for Herbert, who was aware of his intention to retire. The announcement was deferred until late December with the intention of limiting anxieties around his departure; however, the subsequent resignation of Associate Dean Dr. Raphael Cheung resulted in speculation about the future of the medical school, she explains.
Cheung would have been appointed acting associate dean in the absence of Scott for his holiday leave. Although he stepped down from his administrative duties effective Dec. 31, 2009, Cheung will continue teaching.
Herbert credits Cheung as being the driving force behind the development of the original clinical campus seven years ago.
“He has chosen to step away at this time and somebody else within the wonderful group of leaders in the Windsor program will be selected to take over the duties of postgraduate co-ordination,” she says.
The two resignations sparked controversy when suggestions were made regarding the establishment of a stand-alone medical school in Windsor.
The Windsor program was quickly established in a cost effective way because of the two schools’ ability to utilize innovative technology, such as videoconferencing, and share curriculum and resources, she notes.
As with any operation with locations 200 kilometres apart, communication becomes an issue, she says.
A meeting has been scheduled to bring the universities, hospital officials and members of the medical community together to discuss plans moving forward in light of the resignations. Herbert has been reassured by hospital and university officials the relationship will continue and a standalone medical school is not on the agenda. But, she acknowledges this idea may be revisited in the future.
Murray Bryant of the Richard Ivey School of Business and Bob Renaud of the Odette Business School in Windsor will conduct a governance review in mid-January “to make sure we’ve got it right” says Herbert.
“We’re not sure at this stage whether we will continue with the exact structure we’ve had for governance within the Windsor Program.”
There are currently 54 students in the Windsor medical program, 30 first-year students and 24 second-year students. Last year, the provincial government announced funding for eight additional spaces in 2010-11.
“The fact that we were able to get a program that is so important to Windsor established so quickly and that it’s been so successful is a testament to the utility of the relationship between the two universities and specifically to establishing this program of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry,” says Herbert.