In 2016-2017, the TTUHSC School of Medicine will experience a site survey visit by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the national organization that accredits medical school educational programs. We had an outstanding site survey in 2008 and have developed a continuous improvement program to ensure we are ready for 2016-2017. This site survey will be crucial in maintaining our strong reputation as a medical school with excellent metrics and a very high level of student satisfaction.

As part of our continuous improvement effort, we sent a questionnaire to all students in October 2014 to evaluate your level of satisfaction with all aspects of our programs. We are now concentrating on areas where there was dissatisfaction (20% or greater):

• Adequacy of coverage offered in the Student Health Insurance Plan
• Availability of scholarships
• Adequacy of student study space
• Adequacy of career counseling
• Overall debt management counseling
• Availability of disability insurance
• Availability of tutorial assistance

I will be sending out a weekly “From the Dean to You” update,D2U@SOMfor short, starting in January 2015. These updates will provide information about important issues and request your input for improvement. I am hoping you will read them and provide feedback. I will also be setting up class meetings to discuss ways for improving student satisfaction and will continue the Dean’s Lunch on the Lubbock campus with invited students. Students who pride themselves as leaders will have a greater opportunity to work with administration and faculty for improvement.

Please work with us as we improve our medical school by enhancing communication and solving problems. We need your involvement in this improvement process, your expertise as elite learners, your patience as we resolve these challenges, and your loyalty and commitment to the SOM’s future. Post a comment or send me an email at steven.berk@ttuhsc.edu.

Steven L. Berk, M.D.
Dean