Bloomberg School of Public Health
Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 29, 2004 | 3:00 p.m. | 883rd Meeting

Members Absent: Drs. William Brody, Steven Knapp, Robert Black, Martha Hill, and Edward Miller.

Guests: Drs. Terry Brown, Kenneth Hill, Sharon Krag, Thomas Oliver and Cecile Pickart; and Ms Diane Glover.

Meeeting Convened: Dean Alfred Sommer convened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Approval of the Minutes: Minutes of the 882nd meeting on March 25, 2004 were approved.

Remarks by the Dean

Dean Sommer congratulated the School on the Rededication event on April 23, noting that many old and new friends of the School were present. The anonymous gift announced at the Rededication for the support of students is great cause for celebration, and also presents challenges as to how the use of these funds can be appropriately divided. Remarks by the Faculty Senate

Dr. Weiner reported that Dr. Diener-West plans to present the next round of changes proposed in the Faculty PPM #1 on Appointments, Promotions, and Professional Activities of the Faculty at the May Committee of the Whole meeting. The longer-term issue of "Balance of Effort" is now being addressed in a strategic fashion by the Faculty Senate now that the faculty have a good understanding of the issues associated with the Effort Reporting requirement. The Balance of Effort committee has been reconvened and is expected to make recommendations in Fall 2004.

Other Items

Report of the Committee to Review the Department of Biostatistics

Drs. Kenneth Hill (committee chair), Terry Brown and Thomas Oliver joined the Advisory Board. Other members of the Review Committee present were Drs. Groopman and Krag.

Dr. Hill provided an overview of the Review Committee's deliberations, noting the excellent faculty and reputation of the Department, as well as Dr. Zeger's outstanding leadership. Since the most recent review in 1994, the Department has grown in a number of areas, expanded its course offerings, and is on firm financial footing. The Department has developed several courses in partnership with or to meet specific needs of other departments, and the Biostatistics Center has been well-received by those needing assistance.

The Review Committee identified a few concerns for the Department's consideration. The relatively small size of the department can make it difficult for its faculty to meet all needs of the School for biostatistical teaching and collaboration. The Department should consider how to best develop and sustain relationships with statisticians in other departments, and to provide statistical assistance and collaboration. The Review Committee suggested that creation of an interdepartmental "Advisory Committee on Statistical Education" that might serve to improve communication between the Department and other departments with respect to burgeoning educational needs. The Biostatistics course developed for laboratory scientists was commended; the Review committee further suggested that web-based biostatistics modules for laboratory scientists would be valuable. The present walk-in clinic providing biostatistical assistance is helpful, but is not well-publicized.

Dr. Hill noted Dr. Zeger's well-regarded leadership of the Department, but commented that leadership of some of the Department's activities, such as the Biostatistics Center, would reduce the burden on the chair and provide important avenues for growth of the junior faculty.

Dr. Hill then thanked the members of the Review Committee, and the faculty, staff, students and former students of the Department of Biostatistics for their thoughtful comments during the review process. Dr. Zeger thanked the Review Committee for their recommendations and noted they will be discussed at the Departmental retreat on May 1-2. He expressed appreciation for the Committee's deliberations.

Dean Sommer remarked that a core issue raised during the Review is the Deparment's relatively small size and focus on developing cutting-edge research methodology, while there are also growing needs for biostatistical input and collaboration in research activities across the School. The key for the Department will be to have a significant voice in meeting these biostatistical needs across the School while continuing to develop and reward opportunities in the field for its junior faculty.

After further discussion, the School's Advisory Board voted unanimously to accept the Report of the Committee to Review the Department of Biostatistics in its entirety. They then thanked the Committee for their hard work and careful consideration. The Advisory Board then voted that the Department of Biostatistics should continue with its sustained level of excellence and under its current leadership.

Revision to PPM Administration and Governance #1 on the Graduate Medical Education Committee

Dr. Lawrence commented that the proposed revisions in the PPM for the Graduate Medical Education Committee will enable the Committee to be flexible in meeting the changing requirements of the residency programs that are separately accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Advisory Board voted to approve the proposed changes in the PPM.

Revision to PPM Academic Programs #7 on the Master of Public Health Program

Dr. Brookmeyer reviewed the most recent proposed changes in the PPM for the Master of Public Health program as a result of the discussion at the April Committee of the Whole meeting. The Advisory Board then voted to approve the proposed changes in the PPM.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Fox

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Last updated 19May04 by dgips@jhu.edu