Houston is partnering with UTHealth Houston to establish a new academic health department.
What this means
The city’s health department will work with UTHealth to support evidence-based programs, applied research and real-world public health practices. The goal is to create a bridge between practical academic knowledge and real-world leadership opportunities in public health, according to a news release from the city.
Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran said this means greater chances for research and expertise that can directly support their work.
“Public health challenges are becoming much more complex, and having the next generation of health care and public health professionals working together is not only aspirational, but essential,” she said during a June 17 City Council meeting. “I believe that we are positioning Houston as a model.”
Mayor John Whitmire said he was proud to make the announcement, which he introduced before the City Council meeting.
“Our health department has long believed that meaningful partnerships drive measurable impact,” Whitmire said. “Working alongside the School of Public Health and the city of Houston allows us to prepare the next generation of leaders while delivering real-time solutions to the complex health challenges facing our communities.”
The details
HHD will work with all the schools within UTHealth Houston, including nursing, medicine, dentistry and biomedical informatics.
HHD intends to implement academic health departments across other universities in Texas, according to the city.
One more thing
The collaboration will also create new opportunities for student field placements, joint training initiatives and shared research projects focused on improving health outcomes across Houston.
The city said it will also support the city’s long-term goals of enhancing preparedness, reducing health disparities and advancing innovative public health solutions.
