The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine is planning for the future and part of that plan is ensuring the long term accreditation of the teaching school.
Under a concept plan drawn up by the Dean of the college, Dr. William Albritton, and the Provost and Vice-President Academic, Brett Fairburn, three new divisions would be created to support increases in research performance, clearer accountability for clinical instruction and streamlined services to the health region.
“Of all the pillars of work within the college of medicine, teaching, research, administration and clinical service, the one that needs the most urgent attention for our survival as an academic institution, is research,” Albritton said in a release.
The college says the concept is a long-term vision and that a research-intensive medical school is what is needed to ensure an exceptional academic and medical service infrastructure in Saskatchewan.
Last year, the college was sent a letter from the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools warning the school could be placed on probation if it didn’t improve on 10 standards the committee said were “weak or deficient.”
“The college has some challenges to face and together we have some decisions to make,” said Albritton.
“The government has done its part, now it is time for the university to work toward our own ambitious goal.”
The plan will be presented to faculty, staff and students and then discussed internally before being approved and implemented.
Although the process may take many months, patients will likely not notice any change in their interactions with the university or local health officials.
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