TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | m a y 2 0 1 5 35 all of these elements, all these won- derful ideas, this great opportunity for financing, and pull them all together to develop companies that can bring products from the bench to the bedside in an effective and efficient way." Enter the Master in Clinical Translation Management (MCTM) degree, a two-year professional pro- gram offered by the University of St. Thomas in collaboration with Houston Methodist Research Institute, which provides students a solid foundation for navigating the biotechnology indus- try. Its multidisciplinary coursework includes comprehensive overviews covering the sciences and principles of entrepreneurship and management, as well as the industry-specific knowledge and tools necessary for succeeding in clinical translation endeavors. "It takes an especially well-trained individual to know this field," Aquila explained. "This is not something a typical M.B.A. or commercialization degree can prepare you for. With biotech products, the stakes are high—it's life and death—and you're dealing with the FDA, which is respon- sible for ensuring the products that get into the marketplace help humans thrive and be healthy. There has to be a higher standard." Through the program's part- nership with Houston Methodist Research Institute, students spend time working alongside Houston Methodist scientists on their current case studies and clinical projects, gain- ing real-world experience in the clinical translation process while also helping the Institute move some of their numerous projects forward. "For the University of St. Thomas, I think it's a very valuable partnership for us to be able to work with Houston Methodist Research Institute, and in particular the team that they have there that has helped develop this whole program in clinical translation," Aquila said. "Our students will have this edu- cation in a very important disciplinary area as we work as a community to think about how we develop a viable and vibrant biotech industry." Houston Methodist President and CEO Marc Boom, M.D., added, "It is vitally important Houston Methodist forge academic partnerships like this because they can benefit our patients and the Houston and Texas econo- mies. Each year, new entrepreneurs will graduate from the University of St. Thomas, focused and passionate about developing exciting discoveries made in Houston Methodist laboratories and clinics into real technologies that will benefit our patients." The collaboration is part of the University of St. Thomas' ongoing efforts to partner with local and national organizations to expand their network and ultimately broaden opportunities for their students. In recognition of their commitment to these partnerships, as well as their growing STEM offerings including their newly resumed nursing program and the MCTM degree, the University of St. Thomas was officially designated a member of the Texas Medical Center earlier this year. "I think these programs, along with our traditional rigorous course- work, make us good citizens of the Texas Medical Center," said Aquila. "We've had a long tradition of graduat- ing students who do very well in medi- cal school and the health care field, and we look forward to contributing to the overall mission of the Texas Medical Center." The MCTM program, which enrolled its first seven students in January 2015, is looking for students with a strong undergraduate back- ground in science or business, although anyone with a keen interest in the industry is encouraged to apply. It is designed for professionals and meets after working hours to accommodate most schedules. The creation of the MCTM degree is timely considering the current momen- tum throughout the TMC to cultivate a thriving biotech industry. From the TMCx accelerator program within the TMC's Innovation Institute to JLABS @TMC and other university-affiliated professional programs, the growing industry will be ready and willing to place these graduates at the helm. "To me, this program is the best of all possible worlds for someone who has a certain business sense about them, but also wants to make a real difference," said Aquila. "If you're in a company, or you start your own com- pany, and you manage to get life-saving products to the market in an efficient way—who can put a price on that?" It's that simple. We appreciate ALL that you do. A comforting word to a scared patient. A shared joke with a co-worker. An extra moment to explain a procedure to a worried family. Your dedication and commitment to excellence help others in a million different ways. And now it's our turn to say a simple "thank you" for the amazing care you provide, day in and day out. Happy Nurses Week & Hospital Week! Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and TIRR Memorial Hermann want to thank all of our employees, physicians and volunteers! CONTACT US Ask about our brand new first-day benefits, including PTO accrual, retirement plan match, enhanced maternity benefits, increased tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment! Search current job openings at jobs.MemorialHermann.org Toll-free: 1-866-441-4567 Email: hotcareers@memorialhermann.org EOE, M/F/D/V. No agencies, please. Date: May 2015

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