AAMC President and CEO Visits BUMC

Darrell Kirch, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), visited the Boston University Medical Campus on June 13, during which he presented “The Role of Boston University School of Medicine in Transforming Health Care” before a full Keefer Auditorium crowd.

Darrell Kirch
Darrell Kirch

Dr. Kirch focused on the evolution of health care research, education and delivery in the US. He explained that he is looking for institutions to serve as the catalysts to initiate change. According to Dr. Kirch, BUSM is well positioned to be part of the solution that transforms the unsustainable healthcare system currently in place.

Key points from Dr. Kirch’s lecture include

  • Academic medical centers, like BUSM, have an excellent opportunity to transform health care delivery in the US.
  • The AAMC is making changes to the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) that will include a broader list of criteria that place value on candidates with the skills necessary to “practice medicine.” This is a departure from the current focus of recruiting candidates with the scientific aptitude to successfully complete the first two years of medical school.
  • There is a need to connect the broader medical education community including undergraduate premedical studies, formal medical education, residencies, fellowships and practicing physicians. This would enable a true continuum of medical education.
  • Transforming academic medicine will require a new view of excellence. Success will be measured by aligning to institutional mission; serving the community; recruiting students with attributes in addition to scientific aptitude; valuing educational quality; improving research outcomes; and focusing on wellness and prevention.
  • BUSM’s mission is clearly demonstrated in the work being done on the Medical Campus, in the community and abroad.

Slides from Dr. Kirch’s lecture are available for viewing  6-13-12 BU FINAL