After two years without a permanent dean, the John A. Burns School of Medicine yesterday welcomed Dr. Jerris R. Hedges as its new administrator.

University of Hawai'i-Manoa officials in a news conference highlighted his ability to bring in research funding, an area the medical school has been lagging in, and his experience as administrator of Oregon Health & Science University's School of Medicine.

Vice Chancellor of Research Gary Ostrander, who had been serving as the temporary administrator of the medical school, said Hedges faces the challenge of developing "focus" in the research arm of the school and will also be challenged with helping the school compete for precious research dollars.

"We're really at the beginning, and we really have much to do to build a research program," said Hedges, who served as vice dean of the OHSU's School of Medicine, ranked in the top 2 percent of American medical schools for primary care education by U.S. News & World Report.

He stressed that research is only one portion of the school's mission.

"I believe we can do best with research if we can keep it relevant to citizens of Hawai'i and the Pacific. If we could build that research, such that it not only strengthens our educational efforts but also our healthcare delivery," he said.

Hedges' three-year, $505,008-a-year contract was approved Thursday evening by the UH Board of Regents. He is expected to begin on March 1.

When the new state-of-the art medical school and research facility was proposed years ago, former UH President Evan Dobelle and former medical school dean Ed Cadman promised legislators that the school would draw in $100 million in research money or more a year.

They promised that research money would keep the school self-sufficient and that it would not require additional state funds.

However, incoming grants and awards currently total some $41 million, far short of what was promised.

Hedges acknowledged that it may be years before research money ever reaches that goal. He said he intends to collaborate with and seek the support of state legislators while also investigating "other revenue streams."

Hedges did not set a specific dollar amount when asked about his research goals.

Ostrander pointed out that federal research money began to lag after Sept. 11, 2001, and that the university has been competing for research funding since then.

The approval of Hedges as the new dean will help move the school toward greater stability, university officials said.

Cadman resigned in 2005 for health reasons, and the national search for a replacement was slowed during changes in leadership at UH-Manoa.

Ostrander said during that period, the medical school had a lack of focus in the research area, something Hedges will be able to create.

"We cover a very wide pallet right now and we've initiated a lot of different programs in a lot of different areas. ... The medical school is going to have to focus forward in terms of research," Ostrander said.

Hedges said one of his key goals is for the medical school to "chart a vision" for healthcare in Hawai'i.

"One of the reasons I am very pleased to be here is the strong linkage between the community and the school and the opportunity to play a role in helping chart the course for the future of healthcare in Hawai'i," Hedges said.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.