Turn the Page

Good morning and happy new year! 

No, it’s not December 31 but it is the start of a new year. It’s happy new academic and fiscal year. 

On Tuesday, July 1, we welcomed our new residents, fellows and faculty who are joining UMMC!  We are glad to have you with us.  

Also, that day, like most organizations, including academic institutions, we closed our (virtual) financial books and opened new ones. We are starting over in our tracking of revenue, expenses and other budget categories. This is common practice and helps to stay aligned with the academic calendar.

We also use the fiscal year – July 1 to June 30 – as the window to track other data related to patient numbers, volume of inpatient, outpatient and ambulatory services, student enrollment in our six schools and research numbers like grants and total awards. The fiscal year is what we use for our five-year strategic plan; the new one, UMMC 2030, began July 1.

The turning of the fiscal page and July 4 Independence Day holiday – which is why you are getting this column on a Thursday – is also great timing for a professional reset. This moment is an opportunity for renewed energy, rededication to your work, and evaluating and refreshing your priorities. It’s a great time for a department, program, office and other unit to reassess operations. Is there something that can be improved to have a positive impact on your faculty/staff? 

We had a very productive and successful FY25. This is because of your hard work and dedication. With continued commitment, FY26 can be fruitful as well. This figurative fresh start is just the boost we need, giving us momentum toward A Healthier Mississippi.