Advisory Panel Meeting
Minutes
July 16, 2001
at Days Inn,
Flatwoods, WV
Members in attendance: Bill McConnell, Norman Ferrari, Alison Witte, Sandra Pope, Jane Horst, Imogene Foster (for E. Jane Martin), Jill Cochran, Tom Hefner (for Jim Welshonce), Dennis McCutcheon, Mike Lewis, Carla See, Gaye Mitchell, Bill Shires, Richard Meckstroth, April Vestal (for Hilda Heady), and Marilyn Fox
Guests in attendance: Andrew Dunlap, Brenda Michael, Parr Thacker,
Robert Blake, Jacquelynn Copenhaver, Melissa Marco, Joan Hypes, Judy Koehler,
Kathryn Greenlief, Elizabeth Richmond, Anna Reno, Sonnie Strader, Margaret
Novacich, Elaine Mason, Alicia, Tyler, Jodie Jackson, Penny Asbury, Nancy
Dunn, Ralph Utzman, Lamont Nottingham, Georgianna Tillis, Chuck Conner,
Shannon Bell, Billie Hall, Jennifer Plymale, and Sandra Baker
Chairman, Dennis McCutcheon called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.
An introduction of new Advisory Panel Members and guests was made:
Carla See - WVU School of Pharmacy
Tom Hefner alternate member from Mountain Health Consortium
Jane Horst - Site Coordinator from EWVRHEC-Martinsburg
Jill Cochran - Nursing Field Faculty from Country Roads Consortium
Drew Dunlap - Intern-WVU Office of Rural Health
Dr. Mike Lewis - Official as of August 1, 2001-Vice Chancellor of Health
Sciences
An introduction of all in attendance followed.
Consent agenda approved as written. (Ferrari/Pope)
Dr. Lewis gave a few anecdotes on becoming Vice Chancellor and stated
that he was among the genesis of the MARS Program. He referred to
an article (he was one of the authors) published in the September, 1973
edition of the West Virginia Medical Journal, "Recruitment of the West
Virginia Medical Graduate". He stated that WVU Charleston Divisions
came about through an AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) grant; thus,
bringing federal dollars back into the state. Dr. Lewis stated that
he would do nothing to harm RHEP. He introduced Monty Nottingham,
Deputy Director of AHEC, to the committee
.
Dr. Nottingham gave an overview of AHEC, via slide presentation.
This program will bridge Health Science Centers and the community and connect
WVRHEP to graduate medical education training programs and also, conduct
continuing education for providers. AHEC is active in 43/44 states,
with four centers located in West Virginia. Marshall University and
the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine must have at least one affiliate
each with one or more areas. There will be a governing board made
up of 15 people; nine members from the RHEP program and six members, made
up of consumers, etc. within the community. Dr. Nottingham's AHEC
Grant was approved, resulting in an Area Health Education Center to be
set up in conjunction with the Eastern WV Rural Health Education Consortium
(EWVRHEC) in Martinsburg beginning September 1, 2001. A Proposed
Memo of Understanding: RHEP and AHEC was given to the Advisory Panel and
those in attendance. The floor was open for discussion and questions.
1. Can there be a director and an assistant director for an area?
Yes
2. Are there incentives for students to work on a project? Yes,
there is $250 per student per rotation; AHEC funds are provided for housing.
Dr. Nottingham stated that repeat rotations are unlimited.
Elaine Mason, having worked with AHEC, conveyed the importance of expansion of continuing education and resources bringing libraries of medical school together. She also stated that she is available to help maximize money.
Committee Reports
Finance:
Margaret reported that the committee approved Policies 02-01 through
02-07 and these will be presented to the Advisory Panel in September for
approval.
The Finance Sub-committee was facilitated by Judy Sedgeman pulling in RHEP members to help discuss the budget. Minutes will be posted to the web as soon as possible.
Evaluation:
Jodie Jackson stated that on January 1, 2001 online evaluations were
implemented. She reported that a good response rate was obtained
by the end of March 2001. May response was about the same.
A sub-committee is working on strategies to improve the response rate.
A new set of questions are being set up and problems are still being ironed
out. If you have any questions or problems, please e-mail Jodie.
As an incentive, six $250.00 prize drawings will be made among students
who have completed all student evaluation paper work. The drawing
will hopefully be held July 31, for rotations from January 1, 2001, through
June 30, 2001. A baseline data questionnaire must also have been
completed. There will be three medical school drawings and three
drawings among the combination of other disciplines.
Dr. Ferrari suggested looking at the Site Coordinator evaluation forms regarding students: Run these by the site coordinators and school committee for information to be sent back to the schools, regarding attitudes, professionalism, etc.
Comments on Legislative Budget Process:
Dr. Lewis commented that the RHEP line items were put in a University
Budget for each School and he does not know why this was done. He
stated that Dr. Weston had written to each University/College President
stating what amount is to be given to RHEP at each school.
Dr. Lewis will meet with legislators and budget personnel. The strength
to build on is for him to go to each consortium and talk to legislators.
Directors Report:
April reported that Hilda was on a cruise in Italy with 22 members
of her family and having a wonderful time.
April thanked everyone for participating in the New York Times interviews. She passed out copies of the article that appeared in the New York Times. As a result of this article, other schools and newspapers are interested in the WVRHEP program.
Sandra Baker reported that committees have been updated on the web and she would like the chairs to take a look at their committees and let her know if there are any additions, deletions or corrections that need to be made.
Advisory Panel Book updates were available and those needing books should notify Sandra Baker.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:25 PM (Ferrari/Pope)