Chapter 29: Changes at MD Anderson Under New President, Ronald DePinho

Dr. Benjamin begins this chapter on change by noting that Dr. John Mendelsohn served as president. He explains that Dr. Mendelsohn brought an emphasis on scientific accomplishments of the faculty, in addition to clinical work and patient care. Next, Dr. Benjamin offers the perspective of a clinician on changes that have occurred since Dr. Ronald DePinho took over as the fourth president of the institution. He explains the revenue-generating burdens that have been shifted to physicians to pay for research and a growing administrative structure. He then talks about the deterioration of morale among clinical faculty, who feel they must meet quotas rather than focus on delivering optimal care for patients. Dr. Benjamin next talks about the institution\u27s budget process to explain the broader arena in which the rift between the faculty and administration came from. Dr. Benjamin then gives his view of what the current situation means for MD Anderson\u27s future. He explains that he has always felt that MD Anderson would succeed despite its leadership, but this depends on a committed faculty. Dr. Benjamin says that he feels his time would be better spent teaching young faculty and gives examples of the training he would provide.https://openworks.mdanderson.org/mchv_interviewchapters/1557/thumbnail.jp