Fred Parris, MD
ACF President 2007

As the year moves rapidly ahead, the ACF has dealt with several important issues, notably how we interact with clinical faculty involved with research and the ongoing discussions of APM 279. We were fortunate to have both topics addressed by speakers at our quarterly council meetings.

Dr. Michael Potter, UCSF Associate Professor, Clinical and Transitional Sciences Institute (CTSI), raised the possibility of creating a "volunteer research faculty" track with incentives in concert with those offered to volunteer clinical faculty. I would invite anyone interested in this NIH funded program ($100 million over five years) to visit the CTSI website or contact us.

Dr. Ken Fye, Director of Clinical Faculty Affairs, Department of Medicine, brought the Council up to date on the proceedings of the UCOP Risk Management Council. Dr. Fye is the only clinician invited to these meetings which are, in part, focused on the qualifications and credentialing of clinical faculty. As you recall we retained our titles in the clinical faculty series (APM 279) dispute, but now specific "Terms of Service", need to be defined. We are fortunate in having Dr. Fye attend these meetings with his appreciation of volunteer clinical faculty. Representatives from the ACF Council plan on attending meetings in the future.

Approaching midyear the ACF remains very active with most departments well represented on Council. Our support staff is invaluable in helping us preserve the teaching mission we accept and promote as clinical faculty.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the ACF Banquet planned for Thursday, October 4th at the Omni Hotel.

Fred Parris , MD
ACF President 2007