Letter from Frank Cerra

Dear Colleague:

As you may recall, last spring the leadership from Fairview, UMPhysicians, Academic Health Center, and the University began developing a plan for renovating and consolidating our clinical sciences facilities. It's clear for those of us who work on campus that the basic science facilities are in top shape, that the translational research facility is taking shape, and that now it's time to develop plans for clinical facilities that can shape our future.

I'm pleased to announce that we have completed phase 1 of the planning process, and I wanted to share it with you. The report will be available on the Academic Health Center Web site, www.ahc.umn.edu, and it addresses the long-term needs for facilities to support the mission of the clinical campus, the School of Public Health, and for research in The Cancer Center and the Lillehei Heart Institute. It summarizes a process that began with a vision, principles, and goals, and ends with a recommendation on prioritized options, with several areas where clarification is needed to move forward.

In the short-term, there is a need to rebuild and renovate the current clinics and inpatient facilities that do not support current or projected patient activity into the kinds of facilities that children and adults expect to support their health. The report ends up recommending that we examine the feasibility of using the area where one of the University residence halls, Pioneer Hall, is located. This location was felt to provide the most efficient, effective, and financially viable option to explore.

Phase 1 of the Clinical Campus plan leads us in a certain direction, yet there are several things left to be decided. As we consult throughout the University, with students, neighborhood, and health care partners, we will keep you updated as we clarify the answers.

As the document is posted, you'll find it both thorough and thought-provoking as it presents a vision for the future facilities needed to sustain the mission of the AHC. In addition, I believe it represents a respectful realization that the campus is part of a larger urban community. As always, I invite your comments and questions at cerra001@umn.edu.

Regards,

Frank B. Cerra, M.D.
Senior Vice President for Health Sciences