During his first official visit to UMass Medical School as University of Massachusetts president, Martin T. Meehan vowed to fight for more local, federal and private funding to support research, education and public outreach. The medical school community welcomed President Meehan on Thursday, Oct. 1, as he visited the Worcester campus for a series of discussions with students, faculty and administrators.
“I am so impressed by everything I see at this campus,” Meehan told attendees of an open forum on campus. “This is an important place and a special place. UMass Medical School is the crown jewel of the UMass system.”
Earlier sessions included a panel discussion led by student government leaders from the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Graduate School of Nursing; meeting with Chancellor Michael F. Collins’ Strategic Advisory Committee; a research roundtable with a select group of internationally renowned faculty members; discussion with clinical partner UMass Memorial Health Care leadership; and a community and external relations briefing on the medical school’s activities focused on fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment and promoting the institution’s brand to external constituencies.
Noting that the financial paradigm and business model for medical schools nationwide has changed dramatically in the past few years, Meehan acknowledged that UMMS needs consistent external funding that should include a multi-year commitment from the state legislature outside of annual system-wide funding.
“I will advocate for that,” Meehan said.
Related links on UMassMedNow:
Martin T. Meehan elected 27th president of the University of Massachusetts
Chancellor Collins: Basic science research key to sustaining Massachusetts biotech industry
U.S. Rep. James McGovern calls NIH funding levels ‘unacceptable,’ challenges grads to be political
Telegram: UMMS looks beyond the NIH for biomedical research funding
