Message from Interim Dean James McKiernan to VP&S

Dear Colleagues, 

I would like to share with you my initial thoughts on last week's unexpected events and assure you that both Dr. Armstrong and I are fully committed to guiding the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons through this period of transition. I recognize that the work immediately ahead of us will require open communication and ongoing dialogue beyond this note. Given what I know of you, my colleagues, and the way we have come together in the past, I have no doubt that we will rise to the occasion once again. 

As I undertake this note, it is with full confidence that this transition period will be finite, with a clear plan of execution throughout VP&S and CUIMC. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Dr. Armstrong, who will be continuing her roles as Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and Chief Executive Officer of CUIMC, in addition to her leadership of the university. 

VP&S and CUIMC have experienced two active years of invigoration under Dean Armstrong's leadership, marked by significant investments in personnel and infrastructure that will allow us to navigate this moment. The thoughtful analysis reflected in the VP&S five-year strategic plan is an invaluable guide for sustaining our excellence. I feel strongly that the momentum generated at VP&S will only accelerate. 

I am looking forward to working closely with the Deans of the School of Nursing, Mailman School of Public Health, and College of Dental Medicine to maintain CUIMC's trajectory as the destination health sciences campus in America. I will also remain focused on the growing partnership that we have been developing with New York-Presbyterian, led by Dr. Steve Corwin and Dr. Brian Donley. The strength of that collaboration is existential to all aspects of our mission as an academic medical center. 

In the coming days, I will be meeting with and talking to as many of you as possible to answer questions and benefit from your input. Rest assured, I am fully dedicated to our mission of providing unrivaled care to our patients, educating the next generation of health care leaders, and discovering the innovations that will shape the future of biomedical science.

James McKiernan, MD
Interim Dean, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
CEO of ColumbiaDoctors
John K. Lattimer Professor of Urology and Chair of the Department of Urology