Medical Center opens ‘symbol of creation’

By Fariss Samarrai

“Two years ago we saw destruction,” said U.Va. Medical Center chaplain Richard Haines during the Sept. 11 ribbon-cutting ceremony and formal opening of the new Medical Office Building at Fontaine Research Park. “Today we dedicate a symbol of creation.”

The building houses U.Va.’s new open magnetic resonance imaging unit, and will house the University’s endocrinology and metabolism services as well as a neurosurgery clinic and the diabetes education and management program. Future expansion will add ear, nose and throat, digestive health and neurology clinics.

Dr. Arthur “Tim” Garson, vice president and dean of the School of Medicine, noted that some of the clinical work at the new building is possible because of the “translational research” conducted at the University, such as cell investigations that eventually lead to direct and tangible medical applications.

Members of the Medical Center Operating Board participated in the ceremony and later toured the building. They then held their first meeting of the fiscal and academic year in the new facility.

R. Edward Howell, vice president and chief executive officer of the Medical Center, opened the meeting with the first report of the fiscal year.

“The financial state of the Medical Center is solid,” he said.

He mentioned that the hospital has received full accreditation and, for the 14th year in a row, was named one of the nation’s best hospitals. He said the hospital’s biggest challenge in coming years is to respond to the growing demand for services.

Larry Fitzgerald, chief financial officer, said surgical admissions to the hospital have been increasing, leading to greater profitability for the Medical Center. The hospital also has added nine additional inpatient beds in recent months, which expands its ability to accommodate surgical patients.

He reported that the Medical Center’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2003, which ended June 30, were $614.3 million. Operating revenue was $652.1 million, resulting in an operating income net of $37.8 million, a margin of 5.8 percent.

Fitzgerald originally budgeted for a 3.4 percent margin. Such profitability, which is reinvested in the Medical Center, will help administrators reach their expansion, research and recruitment goals.