Present: Phil Costello, Bo Faulkner, Jim Fisher, Ray Greenberg, Chip Hood, Walter Limehouse, Lisa Montgomery, John Raymond, Jerry Reves, Sabra Slaughter, Stuart Smith

Guests: Susie Edwards, Robyn Frampton, Gina Ramsey, Bart Yancey.

ITEM I. WINS

Stuart Smith stated that MUHA reached an all-time high in bed occupancy of 646. Jim Fisher said that the decision to cancel the annual Society of 1824 Dinner was well received by MUSC supporters.

ITEM II. Housekeeping

ACTION: The minutes of the August 2009 President’s Council meeting were approved.

ITEM III. Financial Updates

As of the 2-month period ending August 31, 2009, MUSC’s net income was $ -1.3 million; MUHA $7.2 million; UMA $3.9 million; and CFC $203,579 thousand.

ACTION: Council received this as information.

ITEM IV. Revision to Faculty Handbook Conflict of Interest Policy

Dr. Limehouse reported that the Conflict of Interest Policy approved by the MUSC Board of Trustees is now in the Faculty Handbook. In addition, the faculty research conflict of interest, faculty venture start up, and clinical conflict of interest policies and charters developed by the Faculty Senate are referenced within the appendix. The revisions have been reviewed and endorsed by the Faculty Senate and the Deans Council and are presented to Presidents Council for consideration.

ACTION: President’s Council unanimously endorsed the revisions to be presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration.

ITEM V. General Discussion

Mr. Fisher reported that $297 million of the $300 million MUSC Capital Campaign goal has been raised and commented about recent discussions with the Capital Campaign Cabinet.

Dr. Raymond acknowledged progress of the National Coalition Building Institute in diversity enhancement training for MUSC central leaders and ongoing training with other faculty and staff. He also commented about attending a celebration of the faculty component of Creating Collaborative Care that was well received.

Dr. Limehouse reported that ongoing discussions are taking place between representatives of the Faculty Senate and central administration regarding tenure policy.

Mr. Hood commented on progress on a number of projects being pursued by the Foundation for Research Development with private corporations.

Mr. Faulkner reported on activities in the General Assembly. He noted that there are no significant improvements in the state’s budget projections for the current fiscal year; however, ARRA funds will provide considerable assistance through 2010.

Dr. Costello stated that UMA will be holding a planning meeting in late October to discuss service line integration.

Dr. Reves is currently updating strategic initiatives for College of Medicine including redoubling efforts to retain key faculty and staff. He will discuss seasonal flu vaccinations policy for MUHA employees with the clinical chairs and recommend a communication plan.

Ms. Montgomery is conducting town hall meeting with university employees. She reported that in spite of funding cuts and corresponding staff reductions, a survey of over 4000 faculty, staff, and students revealed 90% satisfaction with university services. In addition, G-Lot parking closure was carried out satisfactorily; the hospital cafeteria re-opening is anticipated around mid-November; and seasonal flu vaccinations will be provided as soon as supplies are available.

Ms. Frampton reported that the MUSC Foundation portfolio up 15.6%; the staff is conducting monthly analysis of each endowment to determine payout status. The Foundation’s assets totaled $312 million at the end of August.

Dr. Greenberg reported that the CoEE approved a joint “Healthy Lifestyles” proposal from MUSC’s College of Nursing and USC’s School of Public Health; also an ARRA grant has been awarded to MUSC for telemedicine outreach in trauma and intensive care to rural hospitals. He also summarized a meeting that he and other MUSC representatives attended with the Scientific Research Corporation, a SPAWAR contractor, in information technology and other technological intervention. A follow up meeting with Scientific Research Corporation is being planned to explore future opportunities. He also commented about his service on the Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board of Directors which is focused, in part, on building a bio-tech cluster and a meeting with Captain Paula McClure, the Commander of the Naval Hospital, who is interested in MUSC’s e-health initiative in linking emergency department records and the possibility of developing a Charleston model linking Department of Defense, VA, and civilian medical records. Captain McClure also expressed interest in building clinical collaboration between the Naval Hospital and MUSC’s Ob/Gyn areas. In addition, he summarized highlights of his attendance at the annual Academic Health Centers meeting including presentations about statewide telemedicine activities in Arizona and the Center for Connected Health in California; and a presentation about the College of Community Medicine at the University of Oklahoma at Tulsa which has developed creative ways of linking faculty, students and community representatives around primary care services. MUSC’s C3 and others leaders involved in community-based activities are planning a phone conference the College of Community Medicine representatives to explore the possibility of attending the summer institute.

Dr. Slaughter commented on health care reform presentations and discussions during the Annual Legislative Conference sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus and an emphasis on the public option along with health promotion and disease prevention stressed during workshops.