University of Houston Health Science Center

The University of Houston Health Science Center is a proposed health science center part of the University of Houston that will be located at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The health science center plans on offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, which will be the third medical school program in Houston.

Developments
In February 2005, the UH System and The Methodist Hospital (TMH) signed a 30-year agreement to jointly develop health science and education programs and to participate in research and technology transfer. On-going efforts with The Methodist Hospital include the joint UH–TMH committee will meet several times this summer to establish a timetable and procedures to accomplish the goal of a UH Health Science Center. One of the primary items relates to shared infrastructure and space. Additionally, the Abramson Family Center for the Future of Health has been formed as a joint venture.

There have been discussions initiated with The Methodist Hospital in planning for a UH–TMH Health Science Park in the Texas Medical Center.

In fall 2004, Provost Jerry Strickland assembled a task force of health science-related deans and faculty members to study the ways in which the University of Houston could proceed in developing a health science center. To date, the task force has examined numerous issues, including HSC operating models, the advantages and challenges of starting an HSC, and funding requirements.

It is uncertain whether the UH Health Science Center will be a stand-alone institution of the UH System or an academic college of the University of Houston.