University Times

The University Planning and Budgeting Committee may soon get an answer to its $100 million question.

Last spring, members requested a detailed accounting of how Pitt's Health Sciences schools benefit financially from their association with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center System.

UPMCS is a separate corporation — not a part of Pitt — that is comprised primarily of Presbyterian University, Montefiore University, and Eye and Ear hospitals.

Jeffrey A. Romoff, UPMC president and Pitt senior vice chancellor for Health Administration, has frequently asserted that UPMCS annually provides $100 million in support of academic programs at the six Pitt Health Sciences schools. Romoff repeated the claim in a letter published in the Jan. 4, 1996, issue of the University Times.

After Romoff cited the $100 million figure to the University Planning and Budgeting Committee, committee members unanimously approved a motion at their April 4, 1995 meeting asking Romoff "to provide as soon as possible (1) his best description of how UPMC supports University activities (specifically relative to the $100 million figure), and (2) a more detailed accounting for the five Health Sciences schools, excluding medicine, that will eventually be agreed upon by the deans." "We're still waiting for an answer," said committee member Philip Wion, who proposed the motion.

But the committee may not have to wait much longer, according to Jeffrey L. Masnick, UPMC vice president for Budget and Financial Planning. "We're trying to schedule a [University Planning and Budgeting Committee] meeting where Jeff Romoff can come and discuss these issues with the committee. Hopefully, that will happen within the next month," Masnick said.

— Bruce Steele