Out of loyalty to my school and my profession, I wish to communicate my experiences with and concerns about Dean Kuchera.
Last year, a friend in the class of 2001 informed me that Dr. Aldrich, the pediatrician, was leaving. He was somewhat of a legend who had patients come from as far as Columbia just to see him. Members of the class of 2001 spoke highly of him and how well he taught the pediatric course. I had been looking forward to the class and couldnít understand how a school of medicine would allow such a physician to leave. At a reception in the commons I had an opportunity to ask Dean Kuchera about the situation. He explained that Dr. Aldrich had made requests that were unacceptable to the administration and if he didn’t like the terms they set, he would have to leave. This harsh reply shocked me, so I investigated further to discover that Dr. Aldrich’s main request was to have the school hire the resident of his choice. I realize I don’t know the whole situation, but the manner in which Dean Kuchera spoke of such an esteemed physician was disturbing. I saw a petition signed by the class of 2001, requesting the administration make steps to retain Dr. Aldrich at this institution, but nothing was done and he left. From this experience I began to lose faith that Dean Kuchera had the best interest of the school and it’s students in mind. At town meetings I noticed how elusive his answers were when responding to student concerns. I thought I was alone in this feeling until it was made obvious that several, if not the majority of people affected by him, have similar feelings. I realize that the ultimatum given by the clinical faculty may not have been the best way to make their voice heard, but I ask, what would cause reasonable and intelligent physicians who do so much to make our profession great, take such measures? I am concerned about the reputation of KCOM and the osteopathic profession when people discover what is happening. As dissatisfied clinicians leave, what quality of physicians will be willing to replace them? What kind of students will want to attend a school of medicine where the Dean does not appropriately respond to student concerns, and whose actions have caused many of the quality clinicians to leave? I fear KCOM will begin a downward spiral from excellence to mediocrity. Please do not allow this to happen! Perhaps most disconcerting is that Dean Kuchera has recently attended student club meetings and participated in group presentations, appearing as if nothing were wrong. I plead with the board to realize that I and many of my colleagues are not satisfied with how Dean Kuchera has responded to student concerns. Please help restore our faith in the leadership of the school, that we may maintain confidence in and loyalty to KCOM.”
Resolution
We, as students, know that KCOM is a great school and can be one of the best in the nation. We are supplying this document because Dr. Stefanacci required concrete information. Our goal is to institute positive change so that every student who comes to KCOM falls in love with the school and OTM. As the mecca, that is the standard we should require of administration and faculty. Under the current conditions, this standard cannot be met. The following are suggestions which can resolve student concerns:
Require administration to cease their campaign of misinformation.
Prevent administration from speaking for the students or involving them publicly.
Include student opinion and concerns (via student government) in all information gathered and presented to the alumni, the KOAA and the Board of Trustees.
Require all members of administration to speak frankly with students and share information unless it is absolutely necessary to keep it confidential.
Eliminate double-speak, empty promises and delay tactics from administration.
Require administration to act immediately on student concerns with the OTM department.
Require the OTM department to deal earnestly with students, not dismiss their concerns.
Act quickly to resolve crises in the future.
