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Allegro e Appassionato


COO Mannix points out that a unified plan for both campuses is being developed—the renovation of older buildings on the Hanover campus and the addition of new buildings on the Lebanon campus—and emphasizes the need for rumor control if piecemeal word of the plans gets out.

"We're going to be doing a lot more [talking about the projects] in the next few months," Spielberg assures everyone as he adjourns the meeting.

Spielberg and Mannix head to their next meeting, with Hospital President Jim Varnum and Executive Vice President Paul Gardent. While waiting for Varnum and Gardent, Spielberg and Mannix chat. Spielberg articulates a growing need for what he calls "integrative scientific leaders" and expresses concern at how long it takes to train M.D.- Ph.D.'s. He urges Mannix to tour some of the unrenovated spaces in Vail and Remsen. "It's a warren of little dominions. You gotta take a tour, Charlie."

Gardent arrives and the conversation switches to a faculty search that's under way. "We're looking for leadership who can foster the development of younger faculty," says Spielberg.

When Varnum gets there they turn their attention to the search for a new ob-gyn chair to replace Barry Smith. They also discuss a proposed new plan to evaluate department chairs. "A great part of their job is stewarding their department," says Spielberg. And Varnum mentions the important role that the chairs play in institutional leadership.

Friday, October 22, 12:00 noon
Fuller Board Room at DHMC

Today Spielberg is giving talk to the DMS Alumni Council. All the members are graduates of DMS, but some are also members of the DMS faculty or connect with Spielberg in other ways. "I often speak to overlapping audiences," says Spielberg, "so I think I'll talk today about pharmacogenomics." The Councilors, who'd expected a "state of the School"

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The dean gets business done in informal one-on-one sessions as well as big meetings—here, clockwise from above, with College President Jim Wright; with Hospital President Jim Varnum; and with Psychiatry Chair Alan Green.

update from the dean, chuckle. "No, no, no," Spielberg quickly continues, waving his hands. "But, actually, I never get to talk about pharmacogenomics any more." However, he goes on, he loves talking about the Medical School. In conclusion, he says that the students who come to DMS have the "right heart and head combination."

Friday, October 22, 2:50 p.m.
Dean's Office at DMS

Spielberg is back in his office, catching up on email at his computer. It's a rare break in his day from meetings. But not for long—in a few minutes he's scheduled to participate in a conference call with other members of a national advisory board that he serves on, for an organization that fosters and promotes pediatric clinical research.

"Let's see if there's anything I need to know about," he whispers to himself as he clicks through his e-mail and sips on a cup of coffee. "Ah, yes," he whispers.

"Huh," he grunts. "Flu clinic canceled," he reads half to himself.

At 3:00 p.m. sharp, he dials into the conference call. "What's your pass
code?" asks a female voice.

Spielberg supplies the number.

"Your name?"

"Stephen Spielberg."

"You're the first on," she says.

Spielberg resumes checking his e-mail while he waits for the conversation to start. As others join the call, each one is announced.

"So, Steve, tell me, is it snowing up there yet?" someone asks.

"Aw, come on, it's just past peak foliage," Spielberg counters.

It's not long before the discussion is in full swing, facilitated by the network's scientific director. The conversation ranges from studies under way to potential funding models. The director notes that with Spielberg's help, a large corporation recently gave the network $50,000.

The dean articulates a need for what he calls "integrative scientific leaders." Then the conversation switches to a faculty search that's under way. "We're looking for leadership who can foster the development of younger faculty," says Spielberg.

Spielberg finishes his coffee and tosses the paper cup into the trash. The director begins talking about public-private collaborations. "Of course, the devil is in the details," says the director. Spielberg notes that big foundations like to give money for high-profile causes. "The problem is pediatrics is always at the bottom of the heap," he says.

The conversation continues, and at the close of the call Spielberg says to the director, "I think you've done a spectacular job."

Wednesday, November 3, 7:30 p.m.
Cook Auditorium at Dartmouth College


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