In my March letter, I addressed serious work force shortages in health professions as one of the reasons for forming a Global Health Science University. However, our vision is not limited to producing a specific number of licensed health professionals. The workforce shortages are not the main reason for our existence. As a University, we must foster innovation and creativity and drive cultural and economic transformation of humanity.

 Reflecting back on my own medical education 50 years ago, the medical school taught me fundamentals of listening and communication, adaptability to rapidly changing environment and leadership skills to be a change agent. A large part of specific curricular content in clinical subjects such as medicine, surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics was no longer applicable within a decade after my graduation. New knowledge and new clinical specialties emerged during my life time. Some developments were predictable, others were not. Thus, the role of the University and its Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy or Public Health will be to foster lifelong learning, creativity and innovation, adaptability, and leadership; and above all ethics and compassion.

Therefore, this month, I would like to address how the University will be organized to address forthcoming changes, whether the change comes through incremental innovation or disruption. As a society, we will accelerate the impact of science and technology on longevity and quality of life. How will that change the practice of medicine and more broadly, healthcare delivery? How should a School of Medicine create an environment in which our students learn to use technology for benefit of their patients and not only adapt to but lead a change?

As stated in the March letter, these position papers simply reflect my views as a designer of the organization. Our talented faculty will help refine these concepts; our vision will undoubtedly evolve with their help. In these pages, I wish to chart the initial course for the Global Health Science University and its School of Medicine. Hope you will join me.

Vipul Mankad, M.D.
President and Founding Dean
Global Health Science University and School of Medicine
August 1, 2018