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Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Commitment to Community Health

The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine has deep roots in Houston and an important goal – to transform health and health care in communities experiencing major disparities. Our medical students gain understanding, skills and tools by working with interdisciplinary teams and community partners for a holistic and community-based approach to health care.

Community Initiatives and Programs

To reinforce our mission, Fertitta Family College of Medicine uses multiple strategies to connect and engage with local communities.

For more information, or if you are interested in partnering with us, please email us at comcommunityhealth@uh.edu

“We learn about all these health disparities, but going to Casa Juan Diego and actually seeing people who have untreated diabetes going blind while they are navigating a new country with a child and no access to childcare or health care was eye-opening.”
-- Angelica Calderon Rodriguez,
Class of 2024

community health news

Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Third Ward Partners Supporting a Healthier Community
The University of Houston contributes to a number of civic partnerships. Now, UH has a presence within the Third Ward Community Health Collaborative (TWCHC) among founding partner institutions—including the Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative (serving as the initiative’s fiscal agent) — to address the health challenges faced by Houstonians within this historic neighborhood.
‘They’re not helpless’: UH College of Medicine’s Household Centered Care program helps communities face-to-face
UH College of Medicine has gotten the ball rolling on it’s Household Centered Care Program, a component of their community health commitment, despite setbacks from the pandemic.
Building a Medical School Pipeline
As a child in a low-income neighborhood near Houston’s Third Ward, Reagan Scott saw the root causes of poor health firsthand. “We only had fast food and unhealthy food options in our area,” she said. “We had to drive up to 30 minutes to get to a good grocery store.”

“I am thankful that I get to work with other professionals to provide care through the HCC, Household-Centered Care, course. I learned firsthand the role social workers play in combatting health inequity by connecting patients to the resources and opportunities they need to lead their own lives.”

-- Nabeel Ahmad,
Class of 2024

Community Health Events

Community Health
Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine students are active in the community. First-year students Sierra Cowan and Shelbie Powers helped Brenda Richardson, pharmacist and owner of Healthco Pharmacy, at a COVID vaccine event at Trinity United Methodist Church in Third Ward.
Community Health
Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine recently held a summer block party at the Royal Palms Apartment Complex. Residents were introduced to Healthy Connections | Conexiónes Saludables community health workers and treated to a family event featuring a variety of fun activities and giveaways tailored to meet general health and back to school needs.

Meet the Team

David S. Buck, M.D., M.P.H.

Associate Dean for Community Health, Clinical Professor
Linda Civallero, M.P.H.

Director of Community Engagement
How can I get involved?

Contact us at comcommunityhealth@uh.edu.