Recent news of the proposed split between the hospital and university has been cause for great discussion on many fronts. You need to consider how all parties involved will be affected by such a major change.
First and foremost, many students at SBU participate in basic and clinical research studies on the east side of campus. As was mentioned, based on the amount of power that is given to the governing body and the type of influence exerted by the 15 individuals who serve on its board, the entire ‘alignment’ of the hospital and academic programs could change. This will not only affect the undergraduate, graduate, and medical students currently at SBU, but also, the make up of this governing body will greatly affect how prospective students will perceive the value of an education at SBU.
While Richard Fine, speaking for the School of Medicine, has affirmed that all possible actions will be taken to prevent any potential split between the two sides. However, I feel that the issue is much more complicated that Fine will admit.
A potential split between the university and hospital will, most likely, improve the image of (the renamed) SUNY Hospital at Stony Brook in the eyes of the community residents and other community physicians. Surely, the new leadership will dislodge some of the built up resentment to President Kenny’s desire for complete financial control of the campus. The revenue made by the hospital will now only go towards the hospital and not be placed in a giant pot to be allotted for the entire campus. Who knows, maybe Ridgely Ochs and Newsday might even publish a nice, objective piece about the hospital.
What will actually happen? Only time will tell’hellip;