Dear colleagues and friends: As we approach a new year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on 2023 and all we have accomplished working together at Emory University School of Medicine. Together, we have: -
Opened a new Center for Holistic Student Success, a key component of our education strategic plan. The center is dedicated to improving student access to mental health resources and academic support. We also recently released recommendations to begin a transformation of our curricula across all SOM degree programs.
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Begun wrapping up our research strategic plan, Excellence to Eminence. This five-year investment accelerated growth and impact in multiple ways, including the recruitment of more than 120 research intensive faculty, the opening of our second Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB II) in March, which includes a newly-formed Innovation Center; seed funding for transformational research through the Imagine, Innovate and Impact (I3) awards program; investments to support and expand our core facilities; development of the first research office for Emory at Grady, and much more.
- Achieved a total of $700M in sponsored research awards in FY23 – a 19% increase over FY22. This also represents an incredible 58% increase in sponsored research awards over the past five years.
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Welcomed a record 473 new residents and fellows to Emory this year. Residents and fellows are an important component of our medical school graduate training programs, and many will be our future faculty and leaders. I was also a resident and fellow at Emory from 1983 to 1989 and the training I received was critically important in defining me as a caregiver, educator and researcher. I want to give a special thank you to the residents and fellows for the compassionate care you provide to our Atlanta community, especially over the upcoming holidays.
- Launched the inaugural School of Medicine Staff Awards program, one of several initiatives underway to support and celebrate our amazing staff members. This year, our annual engagement survey indicated that the overall sense of belonging in the SOM, a key indicator in job satisfaction, increased from 73% to 79%.
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Continued to focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and climate in which we all can thrive.
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Conducted extensive preparation for a site visit from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) on March 17-20, 2024. More than 100 faculty, staff, residents, students, and alumni are engaged in this effort, which includes data collection, an institutional self-study and an independent student analysis which will help us to identify strengths and challenges of our educational program.
- Solidified Emory’s leadership in the area of AI and health with the launch of the Emory Empathetic AI for Health Institute.
And as always, you provided exemplary care to patients all year long, providing hope and healing in the state of Georgia and far beyond.
While impressive, this list represents only a fraction of your accomplishments. And they are only possible due to the efforts of our entire team – faculty, staff, residents, fellows, postdocs and students. I thank you for your hard work and perseverance in the face of challenges including budget concerns and the emotional toll of ongoing, tragic world events. Thank you for the kindness and generosity you’ve shown each other throughout the year. Because of you, we have much to celebrate and an exciting year ahead.
I wish you a peaceful and rejuvenating break filled with moments of joy and time with your loved ones. Carlos Carlos del Rio, MD Interim Dean, Emory University School of Medicine
Interim Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare Leon L. Haley, Jr. MD Distinguished Professor of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine |