The Texas Medical Center continues to grow and expand its reach by welcoming the University of Houston as an official member institution. The decision is the culmination of several years of discussion between the Texas Medical Center and the university, and is an important step in developing strong education and research collaborations to benefit the Houston community. The University of Houston's College of Pharmacy has been a member since 1980.

"We are delighted to have the University of Houston as our newest member," said Texas Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Richard Wainerdi. "Education is at the heart of this partnership and the collaboration with research, resources and training will improve health care that affects us all. The University of Houston awarded 1,200 baccalaureate and 480 graduate degrees in health-related areas in 2009 and more than half of the university's research awards and grants, more than $61 million, are health-related."

The leaders at the University of Houston will have increased opportunities for collaboration with 47 member institutions including hospitals, academic institutions and support organizations through enhanced participation in numerous member councils and events. Opportunities to partner in areas such as policy development, planning, education and research will benefit all of the current member institutions and the University of Houston.

"This membership is an important step toward realizing our vision for the University of Houston and our UH Health initiative, with faculty and research programs throughout our campus partnering with institutions in the Texas Medical Center," said UH President Renu Khator.

The University of Houston recently recruited Dr. Jan-Åke Gustafsson, a world-renowned physician, scientist and member of the National Academy of Science, to head the new Center for Nuclear Hormone Receptors and Cell Signaling. "Dr. Gustafsson and his research team are developing innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to understanding the root causes and potential interventions for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and a host of other complex health problems. This collaboration of minds, resources and research is essential for improving health care," Khator explained.