In 2012, Austin citizens voted for a bond proposal to help build a medical school and teaching hospital in the city. Since then, no open meetings have been held to allow community input.

Citizens deserve a chance to tell the steering committee what they want as we develop the medical school curriculum, design the buildings, implementing health IT, changing our urban planning and all issues that will effect our community.

At an event in April 2013 called symBIOsis hosted by the Rice Alliance and UT's Austin Technology Bioscience Incubator, Dr. Robert Messing co-chair of the Dell Medical School at UT-Austin steering committee, discussed recent developments in developing the school and hospital. At the close of the event, when asked how the committee was engaging the community beyond the doctors and researchers, he commented that no one has ever asked that. Subsequent efforts to contact him and those involved in these efforts through multiple channels have proven fruitless. Dell Medical School is not listening.

We have the greatest opportunity with this medical school and teaching hospital. We can create something new and bold as well as be a model for endeavors around the country. What if patients had a say in the curriculum and a new class could be offered for med students on participatory medicine? What if patients could have a say in the design of hospital rooms, bringing their experiences to the table to make better rooms and care experiences? What if health IT experts and startups work together to ensure we have the best IT solutions in place? What if those who rely on public transportation can help discuss the best ways to get patients to the hospital services they need? What if the public had a say about financing?

All I ask is that Dell Medical School hold at least ONE public meeting. One that is publicized (using social media channels and working with stakeholder groups to spread the message). One that is free. One that provides information about what the steering committee is doing now and to allow us to provide input.