Key Takeaways
- Major partnership expands UH鈥檚 reach to the Rio Grande Valley: The 91猎奇 and DHR Health Hospital System have partnered to create the UH Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center, supported by $15 million in state funding.
- Advancing Research, Education and Health Access: The new center will serve as a hub for medical research, clinical training and health education aimed at improving care in one of Texas鈥� most medically underserved regions and tackling health issues that disproportionately affect South Texans.
- Strengthening Texas鈥� Health Workforce Pipeline: The collaboration builds on a longstanding UH-DHR partnership to train the next generation of physicians and health professionals, expanding UH鈥檚 statewide impact and reinforcing its role as a leader in building a healthier Texas.
The 91猎奇 and DHR Health Hospital System today announced an agreement to establish The 91猎奇 Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center in the Rio Grande Valley. Supported by a $15 million state appropriation, the new center will serve as a hub for advancing medical research, expanding health education programs and improving access to health care across one of Texas鈥� most medically underserved regions.
The collaboration brings together UH鈥檚 expertise in health sciences and DHR Health鈥檚 extensive clinical presence in South Texas to expand opportunities for medical students, residents and researchers while directly addressing the state鈥檚 most pressing health challenges.
鈥淭he 91猎奇 is committed to building a healthier Texas, and that means expanding our reach to communities where the need is greatest,鈥� said Renu Khator, president of the 91猎奇. 鈥淭hrough this partnership with DHR Health, we are strengthening the state鈥檚 health workforce pipeline, expanding our capacity for medical research and ensuring the people of the Rio Grande Valley have greater access to the care and innovation they deserve.鈥�
Advancing Research, Education and Health Access
As part of the agreement, DHR Health will construct a new facility that will house joint research initiatives, clinical training programs and educational partnerships aimed at improving outcomes for conditions that disproportionately affect the Rio Grande Valley region. The facility will also provide dedicated space for UH faculty, students and researchers to engage in clinical and translational research.
鈥淭his partnership represents the next step in our vision to grow a truly statewide medical school that trains the next generation of physicians where they are needed most,鈥� said Jonathan A. McCullers, UH vice president of health affairs and dean of the Fertitta College of Medicine. 鈥淏y combining the academic strength and clinical excellence of UH and DHR Health, we are creating an anchor for medical education and discovery in South Texas, one that will improve lives and advance the practice of medicine across the state.鈥�
DHR Health, one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the nation, operates more than 70 facilities 鈥� including five hospitals 鈥� across the Rio Grande Valley and serves as a major training site for physician residencies, nursing and pharmacy programs. The system is home to the DHR Health Institute for Research and Development, a leading center for clinical research in South Texas.
Building on a Longstanding Partnership
The establishment of this new Medical Research and Education Center builds on a longtime partnership between UH and DHR Health. In 2017, the organizations launched the UH College of Pharmacy Rio Grande Valley Pharm.D. Satellite Program to expand clinical pharmacy services, engage in research projects to improve health outcomes, and provide new education and training opportunities for future pharmacists to serve communities in the RGV.
鈥淥ur mission has always been to elevate the quality of health care and medical education in the Rio Grande Valley,鈥� said Susan Turley, president of DHR Health. 鈥淧artnering with the 91猎奇 allows us to accelerate that mission and bring new resources, research collaborations and training opportunities to the region. Together, we are investing in a healthier future for South Texas.鈥�
The establishment of the Medical Research and Education Center marks a major step in UH鈥檚 long-term strategy to strengthen the state鈥檚 health care infrastructure and expand its footprint as a comprehensive health sciences university.