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December 12, 2005

Dr Ian Taylor, Dean of Tulane School of Medicine, Resigns

This came as a surprise to me, and I think many of our classmates. Good luck Dr Taylor, and godspeed.

Dear Students of the School of Medicine,

I am writing to inform you that Dr. Ian Taylor has resigned his position as dean of the School of Medicine, effective immediately. I have asked Dr. Paul Whelton, senior vice president for health sciences, to also assume the role of dean for the foreseeable future.

Hurricane Katrina has clearly taken a toll on all of us, and I know that is especially true for all of you. With the announcement of our Renewal Plan on Thursday we have a clear pathway to a bright future for both the School of Medicine and the university, including reopening our educational programs at the medical school here in New Orleans on July 1, 2006.

On behalf of the entire Tulane University community, I want to thank Dr. Taylor for his four-plus years of service as dean. During that time period, he made many contributions to the school and university, including continued LCME accreditation, expansion of the faculty, and greater emphasis on research and the clinical enterprise. We are appreciative of his efforts.

I hope you will all join me in supporting Dr. Whelton and his senior team during this transition. Ever since Hurricane Katrina they have done a marvelous job of addressing and resolving every critical issue they have faced in a very difficult and complex environment. I am confident that same focus and determination will guide them in the future. I stand shoulder to shoulder with them to ensure the future success and vitality of the School of Medicine. We all look forward to welcoming you back in July.

President Cowen

This is from Dr Whelton:

Dear Colleagues,

By now you may have heard the news that Ian Taylor has decided to step down as dean of the School of Medicine. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ian for his many contributions to the school over the past four years. During his tenure as dean, the school experienced one of its most vibrant periods of growth; the school's educational programs were further strengthened; the track record for conduct of competitive research was greatly enhanced; and the capacity to offer high quality clinical services was substantially expanded. In addition, Ian provided the leadership for a new strategic plan and appointed many of the school's senior leadership team. He leaves a rich legacy of successful accomplishments. On a personal basis, I am grateful to Ian for his contributions as a valued member of the Health Sciences Center senior leadership team and for his friendship and support.

President Cowen has asked me to step in as dean and I have agreed to do so for the foreseeable future. Needless to say, the current circumstances require that we all focus on a common goal of recovery and renewal. Recognizing the challenges that confront us in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I feel confident that the School of Medicine can thrive in the future. I will do everything possible to facilitate this and to encourage the continuation of excellence in each of the school's three mission areas. The Tulane University School of Medicine is a historic academic institution with a bright future. I look forward to working with each of you and to receiving your advice and support in the coming weeks and months.

Paul

Paul K. Whelton, M.D., M.Sc.
Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine
Senior Vice President for Health Sciences
Tulane University Health Sciences Center
1440 Canal Street, Suite 2400, TW-5
New Orleans, LA 70112-2709

The second-year class president, Scott Simpson, sent another e-mail "message from Dr Kahn". Dr Kahn is the dean for student affairs.

Students:

In regards to the recent developments, Dr. Kahn has asked me to inform you that the administration will address the students on Thursday 12/15/05. This will be an informative session with a question and answer portion. More specific details will be available soon.

While many details are forthcoming, there is indication that there will be no additional layoffs in the near future, hence Dean Taylor's statement "the University is guaranteeing the total salary of mission critical faculty through June 30, 2007" reference in his recent email. It is my understanding that this decision to leave was Dean Taylor’s choice and was not forced upon him.

Dr. Kahn is currently at a Hematology conference and will be back in Houston on Weds. Dr. Krane is in New Orleans and will be back in Houston for the meeting.

These have been exceedingly trying times for all of us. Please stay strong.

Scott Simpson
Class of 2008 President

Posted by Niels Olson at December 12, 2005 1:03 PM

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