Legitimate concerns

Re “Time for a discussion about the future of EVMS” (Our Views, Dec. 3): As a retired Eastern Virginia Medical School professor, physician and clinical educator who continues to teach part time, I’m disappointed that there is no mention of the word education in the one-sided editorial. This speaks volumes about the focus of the opaque process started by “well-recognized community and business leaders.”

One would think that education leaders would surely be a core member of this group, but apparently that was not the case. This group of business leaders set the agenda and hired Manatt Health Strategies, a business strategy and consulting firm, whose goal is “to achieve their business client’s objectives.”

Without education leaders appropriately involved, it raises the question as to what exactly were the objectives? The usual process is to assemble all the stakeholders, set the agenda and then hire the consultant. That is, if the process is to be successful. Instead, it seems EVMS was “invited” only after the agenda had been set, and the consultant’s work nearly completed. Without early buy-in from all stakeholders, is there any wonder that EVMS withdrew?

Yes, EVMS is chronically underfunded relative to its peers. It is astounding that these business leaders believe the proposed funding will be adequate and stable. How, I wonder, without a large increase in state funding comparable to its peers? By merging with underfunded Old Dominion University? Like merging Kmart and Sears? That really worked well.

It is not helpful to disparage EVMS leadership. It’s likely that, under the proposed scenario, EVMS has wellfounded, major concerns about its ability to continue with core educational, clinical and research missions.

Dr. Roger R. Perry, Virginia Beach