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CHP research dean's plan to benefit Medical Center by Kathy J. Gatten College of Health Professions When Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D., joined the College of Health Professions in the summer of 2000, he brought with him a plan to create a culture of scholarship, one that would offer resources, build collaborations and establish a network. As the college's first associate dean for research, selected from a field of more than 80 applicants, Brown has the first part of his plan already in place. Brown and his team are always on the lookout for funding sources, scouring the internet and even making trips to organizations like the American Cancer Society to look for grant opportunities. Administratively, Brown's office helps organize and prepare the materials for submission, and provides budgetary support. Faculty receive assistance on an individual level through one-on-one tutoring and also are given the opportunity to review successful grant proposals.  Brown believes the college can make substantive contributions and offer productive collaborations with the Medical Center through research in areas like health economics and rehabilitation. One big plus for the college is that it's housed within a progressive medical university that has research at its core.  “Research is the focus here, “ he points out. “There is a lot of interest in making it work, and that is very important.”  What are the hot topics today for research in allied health? Brown quickly makes a list: Health policy Access to care Health disparities research How to reach the underserved Preventing health problems Economics in health care Quality of life, now that we're living longer Rehabilitation needs due to increased life expectancy “I would like our alumni to let us know what they're seeing in their clinical practices, what's new with regards to medications and diseases. In return, we’ll share our research findings with them.” That's the network development part of Brown's plan, in which he sees alumni as a vital part. Since assuming his post in the college, Brown has been appointed to a study section at the National Institutes of Health in the area of behavioral medicine and also has been newly appointed as editor of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.  “It would be difficult to be credible as a research administrator if you were not active in research itself.” Staying personally involved in research is also part of his plan.