February 14, 2005
FAQ: TMH-UHS Agreement
Q
There are a number of hospitals and universities in this area.
Why did The Methodist Hospital and the University of Houston System
form this partnership?
A These
two institutions recognized a common desire to improve their biomedical
research, health care capabilities and educational programs. There
is great compatibility in their current resources and future objectives.
The University of Houston System’s Board of Regents’
recent strategic plan specifically calls for an increased presence
in the Texas Medical Center. The new Methodist Hospital’s
Research Institute reflects a commitment to significantly advancing
its translational and clinical research. In other words, each
institution is uniquely positioned to help the other by sharing
facilities, personnel and programs.
Q
Is this UHS’s first involvement in the Texas Medical Center?
A UH
has been involved in a number of other TMC interactions, with
pharmacy, optometry and health law affiliations, as well as ongoing
research projects with TMC members, including TMH.
Q
Since there are several UH and TMH researchers already collaborating
on projects, why is a formal agreement necessary?
A While
those individual projects reflect the natural affinity that researchers
at the two institutions have, this agreement allows strategic
coordination at the highest level, encourages an even greater
level of interaction and permits combined solicitation of research
funds.
Q
How much money is involved?
A There
are no direct financial commitments. Moving forward, the two institutions
may agree to mutual financial commitments for the purchase of
land or facilities, building facilities or buying equipment.
Q
How will such decisions be made?
A All
joint activities under this agreement will be determined by an
executive committee composed of equal numbers of members appointed
by the UHS Chancellor and the TMH CEO. The UHS Chancellor appoints
the chairman of this group and the TMH CEO appoints the vice chairman.
Q
Does the agreement specify any future plans?
A Yes.
UHS hopes to develop a Health Sciences Center and TMH will support
that objective, serving as the hospital affiliate for such a center.
Additionally, the two institutions plan to develop new educational
programs. Naturally, we will seek authorization for any such initiatives
that require approval of the Texas Legislature or the Higher Education
Coordinating Board.
Q Both
TMH and UHS are already involved in relationships with several
other institutions. Does this agreement have an impact on any
of those?
A No.
This agreement doesn’t replace existing relationships and
doesn’t diminish the importance of any of them. If anything,
it should enhance them by making both TMH and UHS stronger institutions
in general and better partners with their current associates.
Q
What are the immediate effects of this agreement?
A Candidates
for joint appointments to both institutions are being interviewed,
bringing the top researchers and scientists of the world to our
area. Facility sharing between UH and TMH is already being arranged.
And applications are being initiated for broader research funding.
Q
What does it mean to the average person?
A It
means that research to improve medical treatment will go from
the laboratory bench to a patient’s bedside faster. It means
health care professionals will have greater access to first-rate
training and educational programs. It means that health services
available to the Houston community will be expanded and biomedical
knowledge for the world will be increased.