Salaries of Key UC Employees

Somehow the significance of the distinction between funds derived from state taxes and from student fees, versus funds obtained as a fee for service, or through grants or private endowment, is not made clear in the lengthy article, “Key UC Employees Are Best-Paid State Workers” (Dec. 26). As a matter of fact, 16 of the 20 of UC’s “best paid state government employees” (the other four are critically important administrators) actually drew most of their salaries from fees paid by medical patients or their insurers--money that merely passes through the state coffers. These 16 individuals received only $34,172 to $109,854 from state funds, remarkably modest amounts considering their leadership role in highly paid medical specialties.

We live in a knowledge-based society. Enabling real world financial compensation of individuals who are leaders in key areas is crucial to the mission of UC and to the state. The need exists in numerous areas, not only in the professional schools and the sciences, but also in the case of highly skilled technical support staff like those mentioned in the article.

The effective approaches used by UC to provide competitive salaries through the supplementation of state funds by external fees, grants, gifts and endowments would be hailed as “synergy” and “leverage” in the private sector. They deserve thoughtful understanding, not raised eyebrows.

MANFRED E. WOLFF

Laguna Beach

These doctors not only reap the benefits of incredible prestige, interesting cases and academic freedom but also the full support of clinic staffs, laboratories, surgical and nursing staffs and poorly paid residents in training. Their incredible gross incomes, derived from patient fees through their insurance, lack consideration of the fact that every single department in the UC system has had to make dramatic cutbacks in offerings and staff. Instead, the UC medical system would be wise to bring their system into line with other health systems, reorganize their management and pay their physicians salaries commensurate with large health maintenance organizations.

Would Dr. Joseph M. Lane and other quit their jobs, were they paid less? It’s a fair guess. But if they did, there are hundreds of other physicians who love to be in the realm of academia who would gladly step in and enjoy the support and prestige of the position.

S. KANANI FONG

La Habra Heights

When you write about “competitive pay” for UC professors, you forget the ranking of the university. You also do not mention the price of housing, especially in Westwood, where a house may cost 50% to 100% more than comparable housing in comparable universities.

MARGARET W. ROMANI

Los Angeles