MEMBERS ABSENT: Drs. Daniel Nathans, Robert Black, Diane Griffin, John Groopman, Bernard Guyer, Jonathan Samet, Donald Steinwachs and Barry Zirkin.

GUESTS: Drs. Sharon Krag and Noel Rose; and Ms. Diane Glover.

Remarks by the Dean:

The Dean thanked Dr. Rohde for his 15 years of service as chair of the Department of Biostatistics, and acknowledged his leadership in establishing a highly respected department. Dr. Rohde noted he had served on the Advisory Board for 18 years (the first three as a representative of the Faculty Senate) and is looking forward to continuing his tenure in the Department under the leadership of Dr. Zeger. The Advisory Board then recognized Dr. Zeger's distinguished guidance of the School as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the past five years. Dr. Zeger will become chair of the Department of Biostatistics on August 1 and as such will remain on the Advisory Board.

Dr. Mosley briefly reported on the background, rationale and status of a proposal to the Centers for Disease Control to provide distance education training and a certificate in public health for mid-level CDC program staff involved primarily in programs to control tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. The training program will involve the delivery of 35 credits of academic coursework, one half of which will be delivered to working students using distance education technologies. Program funds will be awarded to four schools of public health which are to coordinate their educational offerings so that a common certificate can be awarded. To achieve this, Hopkins is proposing a terminal "competency" examination (similar to national boards in medicine). Dr. Mosley is now responding to questions by the reviewers and has been asked to prepare a "best and final" proposal.

Dr. Sommer described the major issues discussed at the retreat of deans of schools of public health on July 24 through 26. He noted that a number of topics brought up by other deans had been discussed and dealt with by the School several years ago. The School and its unique culture continues to be a model among schools of public health for rejuvenation, innovation and fiscal responsibility.

He announced that Dr. Goldberg is making a good recovery from gallbladder surgery.

Dr. Sommer serves on a Robert Wood Johnson/New York Academy of Medicine committee to look at the relationships between public health and medicine. He will circulate a short questionnaire to members of the Advisory Board soliciting examples of how public health and medicine have worked together to solve or elucidate important health issues.

He welcomed Dr. Robert Lawrence, Associate Dean for Professional Education and Programs, to the Advisory Board. Dr. Lawrence will represent the School's professional education programs, including the MPH, DrPH, distance education and professional/continuing education.

Report of the Faculty Senate:

Dr. Scocca reported that the Faculty Senate is proposing to conduct periodic reviews of the School's administrative functions jointly with the Committee of the Whole.

Glaxo Wellcome Health Point Dr. Sommer noted that Glaxo Wellcome is becoming more involved in data management, informatics and computerized patient profiles through its Health Point subsidiary. Representatives from Health Point have offered to come to the School to provide an overview of their activities. The Dean's Office will contact several departments, as well as interested persons in the School of Medicine, to set up the visit.

Long distance learning opportunities with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has contacted the Dean to assess the School's interest in joint distance education activities. Dr. Mosley will contact the London School to explore areas of mutual interest.

Center for a Livable Future

Dr. Lawrence described the origins and rationale for the Center, which will relate human health, human nutrition and population growth to environmental and agricultural issues, in particular to factory farming practices. The Center will be active at the levels of health education and health policy and regulation. This is an interdivisional effort with faculty from Public Health, SAIS and Engineering represented.

A seed grant has been obtained to begin the Center's activities. The Center will hold a conference to evaluate and translate science into public information and policy suggestions. The Center is in the early stages of activity and has already received an enthusiastic response from faculty and possible external supporters.

Evolving challenges and opportunities in the changing health care environment (Professional Practice Plan) Dr. Sommer updated the Advisory Board on development of a professional practice plan. A small faculty group has been developing general policies for the Plan. A one-half day retreat with department chairs and representatives from the Faculty Senate will finalize much of the plan. A number of principles developed for other external activities in which the School is involved (e.g., Consumer Health Network and Intelihealth) regarding faculty compensation might apply to a Professional Practice Plan.

Authorization for the Dean or his designate to act on the Board's behalf in consultation with those Board members available during the summer months This motion was passed by a vote of the Advisory Board.

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