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Statement in Response to Hartford Courant Article on Howard University College of Medicine
Posted on: 7/7/2003 3:39:12 PM
Howard University takes issue with the implications found in the June 29 edition of
The Hartford Courant suggesting that Howard University College of Medicine is somehow
providing a less than outstanding education for its students. Indeed, we concur with
the statement of Dr. Jordan Cohen, president of the American Association of Medical
Colleges, who stated in the article, ?I think it?s kind of an irrational approach to
analyzing a very complex set of issues.? He said further that the effort was ?simplistic
and foolish.?
In the article, the Hartford Courant chose a database maintained by Public Citizen, and
?Physician Profile? databases from California and Ohio and excluded data found
elsewhere. We are reviewing the methodology employed by the Harford Courant. We also
question the failure of the Hartford Courant to appropriately distinguish the type and
manner of discipline involved in these cases and the reasons for the discipline. There
is no way to determine, based upon the article, whether the discipline was in the form of
an admonition, censure, suspension or revocation of license. We are also distressed by
the failure to note the experiences of other colleges of medicine, like the 7.6 percent
discipline rate for the graduates of the University of California at Irvine. The
California System reflects a wide disparity within one system. Surely, one would be hard
pressed to draw the conclusion that the University of California Irvine at 7.6 percent is
a lesser College of Medicine than the University of California San Diego at 2.53 percent.
The nature of the physicians? practices, the populations served and the specialties are
just some of the variables not noted in this so-called study. We are proud of our
tradition of graduating students who are committed to the underserved. The physicians?,
whom we have and will continue to produce, underscore our commitment to continue to serve,
and serve well, the underserved communities.
Howard University is proud of the professional leadership and service record of its medical
alumni. Howard University is confident of the high ethical standards of its graduates, and
decries the reckless and superficial nature with which the Hartford Courant interpreted
the data. The University commits to its own evaluation of such allegations, and going
forward with curriculum modification, if necessary, to ensure the highest standards of
ethical and moral behavior continue to be instilled into our students.
Posted on: 7/7/2003 3:39:12 PM
Howard University takes issue with the implications found in the June 29 edition of
The Hartford Courant suggesting that Howard University College of Medicine is somehow
providing a less than outstanding education for its students. Indeed, we concur with
the statement of Dr. Jordan Cohen, president of the American Association of Medical
Colleges, who stated in the article, ?I think it?s kind of an irrational approach to
analyzing a very complex set of issues.? He said further that the effort was ?simplistic
and foolish.?
In the article, the Hartford Courant chose a database maintained by Public Citizen, and
?Physician Profile? databases from California and Ohio and excluded data found
elsewhere. We are reviewing the methodology employed by the Harford Courant. We also
question the failure of the Hartford Courant to appropriately distinguish the type and
manner of discipline involved in these cases and the reasons for the discipline. There
is no way to determine, based upon the article, whether the discipline was in the form of
an admonition, censure, suspension or revocation of license. We are also distressed by
the failure to note the experiences of other colleges of medicine, like the 7.6 percent
discipline rate for the graduates of the University of California at Irvine. The
California System reflects a wide disparity within one system. Surely, one would be hard
pressed to draw the conclusion that the University of California Irvine at 7.6 percent is
a lesser College of Medicine than the University of California San Diego at 2.53 percent.
The nature of the physicians? practices, the populations served and the specialties are
just some of the variables not noted in this so-called study. We are proud of our
tradition of graduating students who are committed to the underserved. The physicians?,
whom we have and will continue to produce, underscore our commitment to continue to serve,
and serve well, the underserved communities.
Howard University is proud of the professional leadership and service record of its medical
alumni. Howard University is confident of the high ethical standards of its graduates, and
decries the reckless and superficial nature with which the Hartford Courant interpreted
the data. The University commits to its own evaluation of such allegations, and going
forward with curriculum modification, if necessary, to ensure the highest standards of
ethical and moral behavior continue to be instilled into our students.
