Category: Uncategorized

Emerging Research About Zika Virus.

Not just any virus – Worse on the fetus than we thought!
Abortion debate brought to the forefront.

Medical scientists have been racing to understand the epidemic of Zika virus worldwide but particularly, because of the rapidity of spread and the number of persons infected, in the Western Hemisphere. Much is still unknown, there is no effective treatment or vaccine, diagnostic tests are not readily available, and there appear to be substantial’ morbidities to developing fetuses and adults alike. The disease is known to be spread by mosquitoes, through sexual contact, and probably blood transfusion. It is not surprising that concern over Zika virus is changing people’s travel plans including to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  It is causing aditional and justifiable concern to pregnant women and their partners, especially those without access to contraception or safe abortion. Continue reading “Emerging Research About Zika Virus.”

UofL Board of Trustees Under The Microscope.

Kentucky Gov. Steven Beshear is taking some heat for not including an African-American among his latest round of appointments to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees. Criticism from the community included claims that by passing over three available African-American nominees for the positions, that the Board was without an African-American member for the first time in many years and in fact violated state law.  This is incorrect.  The Board currently has as its student representative a female African-American trustee who, if she follows precedent, will not be a potted plant.  Nonetheless, attention to the makeup of the Board is a matter that should be of considerable concern to the public.  The UofL Board itself has been regularly in the news for some time, and is likely to remain there a good bit longer given rising community concern over University governance (or frequent apparent lack of governance), executive compensation, tuition increases, political contributions by Board members, probation of academic units, lawsuits against major former partners, scandals and outright criminal activities involving a few employees and faculty, high-profile separations or dismissals– including some with golden parachutes and non-disclosure agreements, a troubled partnership with a religious organization that is tearing the downtown medical center apart, or whatever other story-of-the-week keeps the pot of concern bubbling.  I confess to helping keep the heat on.  Fueled by secrecy and non-stop controversial revelations, our University’s reputation is being damaged.  Demands for accountability have past the point that they can be ignored.  It is therefore useful to examine how it is that board members of the various state universities and the community and technical colleges are selected.  The process is defined in detail by state law but it is obvious to me that existing statutory requirements are being be followed loosely if at all.  Let me explain. Continue reading “UofL Board of Trustees Under The Microscope.”

UofL Board of Trustees to Meet at Health Sciences Campus.

Trustees follow on the heels of accreditation site-visit.

uofl-valveThe regularly scheduled June meeting of the UofL Board of Trustees will be held at various locations within the Health Sciences Campus this Thursday, June 4.  It promises to be a long and busy session. [Agenda here.]  In addition to its usual slate of business, Trustees will hear an update about the partnership with KentuckyOne Health from the CEO of Catholic Health Initiatives, Kevin Lofton. Interspersed with regular sessions will be walking tours to include the cardiovascular services at Jewish Hospital, the Neurorecovery Training Institute at Frazier Rehab, the Level 1 Trauma Center at University Hospital, the Center for Women and Infants within University Hospital, the UofL Healthcare Remote Physician Presence Robot Network, and the recently remodeled instructional facilities at the School of Medicine.  I do not expect to see the same fireworks launched as at the May meeting, but who would have predicted then!  Anything can happen.

LCME Accreditation Site visit.
The School of Medicine was visited in May by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the organization sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association that accredits American and Canadian schools of medicine and osteopathy– necessary for these professional schools to grant M.D. or D.O. degrees to their students. This important site visit is the first one following UofL’s School of Medicine being placed on probation last year.  I expect that Medical School Dean Tony Ganzel will give an update on what the School had done to respond to the LCME’s concerns, and perhaps something about how the site visit went.  I am unaware of the timetable for a final report and decision, but typically please things take several months. It would be nice to get things cleared up before the next application cycle and enrollment.  Letters of acceptance have already gone out for next Fall’s entering class. Continue reading “UofL Board of Trustees to Meet at Health Sciences Campus.”

Catholic Health Initiative 2d Quarter Report Showing Better Numbers.

chi-2d-quarter-2015-200pxCHI’s report shows immediate favorable impact of acquisitions on current financials. Productivity and sustainability of existing operations harder to ascertain.
Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), the parent company of KentuckyOne Health, released its most recent quarterly financial report earlier this month covering the three months ending December 31, 2014.  The company’s press release stressed “improved second-quarter financial results as the organization continues a comprehensive program of operational improvement, revenue enhancements and strategic expansion in key markets.”  Raw earnings in this second quarter were $290.5 million compared to $132.1 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Operating income moved into the black following the losses of the first quarter.  These gains were attributed to “additional business acquisitions, clinical and operational improvements as well as other internal cost-saving programs to reduce expenses.”  However, these “turnaround” earnings are entered before being reduced by a variety of adjustments including interest, depreciation, amortization, business combination gains, and “restructuring.”  This makes it difficult for the uninitiated such as myself to judge whether this apparent reversal of fortune represents on-the-ground improvement in existing competitive markets, or the untested effects of an expanding acquisition bubble. The bond market that supports the considerable debt of the organization, and CHI’s continuing success in a rapidly changing healthcare environment will provide a more definitive judgment. The full report is available here. Continue reading “Catholic Health Initiative 2d Quarter Report Showing Better Numbers.”