The University of Houston (UH) has launched a new\u00a0initiative\u00a0that aims to grow the region\u2019s healthcare talent pipeline, strengthen research collaboration and expand access to care across Texas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
UH Health brings together programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, psychology, social work and population health, along with the Humana Integrated Health Systems Science Institute, under one coordinated structure. By connecting expertise across the university, the initiative could better position UH\u00a0as a top-tier research institution\u00a0and compete for grants.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, with the launch of UH Health, we are bringing together the full strength of our health enterprise to expand our reach, advance research and transform the future of health for our communities,\u201d said UH President Renu Khator in a press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n Preparing Texas\u2019 Healthcare Workforce\u00a0<\/p>\n The initiative comes as Texas\u2019 fast-growing and aging population places greater demand on an already strained healthcare workforce. \u00a0<\/p>\n UH Health aims to help meet that demand\u00a0by expanding the talent pipeline and breaking down traditional academic silos. Students will have more opportunities to learn alongside peers in other health disciplines, reflecting the team-based\u00a0care delivered in hospitals, clinics and other real-world settings.\u00a0<\/p>\n RELATED: How Houston is Building Stronger Healthcare Career Pathways<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n UH\u2019s proximity to the Texas Medical Center further supports that approach. Through partnerships with HCA Healthcare, Memorial Hermann, Baylor College of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center and other institutions, students can gain hands-on clinical experience and exposure to a variety of health professions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Advancing Research\u00a0<\/p>\n UH Health is also designed to connect researchers across disciplines who are working on related health challenges. Brain health is one example: more than 100 faculty members across 12 of UH\u2019s 16 colleges are studying prevention, early detection, treatment and caregiver support.\u00a0<\/p>\n