Medical Schools and Mixed Messages
On November 10, the Daily Reveille reported:"Larry Hollier, dean of the University Medical School, announced Tuesday that the medical school in New Orleans may be forced to close down if increased funding is not made available."On November 23, they published a follow-up article that announced Governor Blanco's budget cuts for higher education -- $67 million. This cut will affect not only undergraduate institutions but also graduate schools such as the medical schools in New Orleans. The article reports:
"The LSU Health Sciences Center is facing massive deficits, and experts have estimated the center may be entirely out of money by the end of March 2006."
At the same time, the Medical School is sending out a message stating just the opposite to their applicants. A friend of mine received this e-mail message:
"Many of you may have seen the news story that broke about the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans closing. THIS IS NOT TRUE!!
The Dean expressed to the legislatre [sic] what could happen if we do not get any assistance from the federal government or if state appropriations are reduced. This is an unfortunate but serious situation, but LSU Health Sciences Center has contingency plans in place and the school WILL NOT CLOSE in February.
I realize that it is difficult to ignore all the rumors, especially when it is so widespread in the media. However, we are currently interviewing applicants and will be through the month of April for the 2006 entering class which will begin in August in New Orleans.
Thanks for your interest in LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans,
Sam G. McClugage, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Admissions"
So, what's the deal? Is the medical school just trying to save face with their applicants? I think so. They have to plan for the worst (testifying to the legislature about how they need money) but hope for the best (continuing to encourage applicants) so that they can continue if the money is there. But what if it isn't?
The first article mentioned above also reports that:
"Jenkins said about 75 percent of health care professionals that practice in Louisiana are trained in University Health Sciences Centers in Shreveport or New Orleans."
If these schools closed, we would have a huge brain drain in the state. If the medical school in New Orleans did not open back up, then we may not have enough doctors to staff all of the hospitals, especially the charity hospitals where anyone can receive medical attention no matter their income. I've heard, although I could find no source to verify, that Louisiana is one of only two states that provides this free Charity hospital service to all citizens. Has anyone else heard this?
If we lose that service so valuable to the underprivileged, it is even more likely that the make up of New Orleans will never be the same. It is imperative that these schools stay open and that LSU's New Orleans Medical School is relocated back to New Orleans (right now, it is in Baton Rouge).
However, it will all depend on how these budget cuts play out. Of course, I will continue to cover them on this blog.
posted by Jessie Tucker @ 11/27/2005
8 Comments:
Would be interesting to get actual copies of press releases from School that led to Reveille article. You could also call the reporter. Was it a case of mixed messages or mangled messages? If the former, it is a common political communication problem: To one audience you want to say, "We need help! We are in trouble!" but to another audience you want to say "No worries, all is fine." You could ask if this is the problem of newNO itself. "We are basket case, send us money!" vs. "Welcome Visitors, we are ready for business."
I know that New Jersey had some type of Charity healthcare, as does Washington....all according to THIS WIKIPEDIA ENTRY. Hope that helps...
Hey Jessie,
I guess I've been under a rock but I didn't know about all this! If there is anything that we as students can do let me know!
I couldn't agree with you more. Not only the medical school, but the dental and nursing schools are suffering as well. These schools provide so many with professional educations, and in the long run, jobs. If we lose these schools, we lose the great minds that attend these schools. As a person who aspires to attend school at the LSUHSC one day, I hope we can find a way to rebuild these institutions. They are too important to the future of our state to lose.
jessi, i very proud to read of your blog. it very interesting to me as i am doctor too. also, my son as well, is medical student at new orleans too. i think he be sad if his school is closes. what you think hospital will do if no money to support them. you are wonderful girl , i hope you come for to drink some tea. i make it hot like you like the tea. i wish see you soon. goodbye
Policybyblog,
It appears to be mixed messages. They want the government to give more money to keep the schools afloat but they also have to ensure that students will still be interested in applying and attending.
I am working on getting copies of the press releases. I'll post them as soon as I have them.
lsu_meg
Thanks for that source. I think the difference, though, is that Louisiana has hospitals set aside for patients without healthcare or the means to pay for medical care while many states (ex. New Jersey) just give out vouchers to private hospitals promising to reimburse them. This idea of vouchers is what some politicians are suggesting for Louisiana instead of rebuilding the Charity hospitals.
I've heard from Charles Zewe (LSU System Representative) that often these hospitals do not want to take on AIDS or mentally ill patients because they take up a bed of patients that can pay on their own -- not through a tax credit. I think that would be a tragedy.
Again, thanks for the source.
Miss Tahvildari,.
Worst situation: The hospital and med school close and our state suffers a major shortage of doctors and nurses.
However, I remain optimistic that this will not happen. I've spoken with Charles Zewe (the media person for the LSU System) more and he said that large donors are considering helping us out if we can just get past that persona that Louisianians are corrupt.
My fingers are crossed.
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