TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 8 34 34 The school needs to generate about $120 million over 10 years in startup costs. The goal is to raise a third of that through philanthropy, a third from state legislative appropriations and a third from revenue the university can generate through its intellectual prop- erty. The medical school would start off with space in a building on UH's campus that is nearing completion. But eventually, UH will need to pay for and build a new, $80 million medical school building. If it all goes well, UH will be the latest of several new medical school in Texas. In 2016, The University of Texas at Austin opened the Dell Medical School to its first class of students. That same year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine welcomed its first cohort. Texas Christian University and University of North Texas Health Science Center have plans for a joint medical school in Fort Worth scheduled to begin classes in 2019. The surging number of medical schools in the state concerns some leaders, including state Rep. John Zerwas, M.D., a Houston-area anesthesiolo- gist who chairs the state house appropriations committee. He has warned that the ratio of Texas medical students to residency slots may not be adequate if the surge of medical schools continues. In other words, if Texas doesn't have enough slots for residents, then its medical school graduates will move elsewhere for residency, undermining the goals of addressing the state doctor shortage by opening more medical schools. UH is addressing that concern through an arrange- ment with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) for the development of eight new residency programs that will include 103 new first-year residency positions by 2020, and 309 total residents by 2024. Spann says he thinks that will go a long way towards satisfying leaders in Austin, but he acknowledged the challenges of building a medical school at a time when so many others across Texas are doing the same. Still, Zerwas said there's room for another medical school in Houston, and the HCA deal will help address his and other policymakers' concerns. "I think they've targeted a niche out there, a community that hasn't been served as well," Zerwas said. "The medical center has a tendency to focus on specialty-type care. That's not surprising, considering all they do. To have a med- ical school that focuses on the underserved primary care community is a good way to go." Spann doesn't think the surge of new medical schools in Texas is a problem. Only 30 percent of those who apply to Texas medical schools get in, he said, suggesting that even as new schools open, demand is far from being met. "We don't believe that this medical school will in any way threaten other medical schools," Spann said. Greer, of FIU, said a new UH medical school could be a major asset for Houston. "This is about prepar- ing our students to make our country healthier," said Greer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and MacArthur "genius" grant winner for his work with the homeless. "Our medical system hasn't really changed in 100 years. That's the advantage in Houston. It's brand new, and they have a clean slate. … The question is not, 'Does Houston need another medical school?' It's, 'Does it need one like this?' And there's no ques- tion. Of course it does." I'm trying to create the medical school that the people in the know say we need today. — STEPHEN SPANN, M.D. Buying a house can be a minefield. JustBuyersHouston.com 7 1 3 . 2 9 9 . 1 1 5 6 Don't get blown up. I'm on your side. You can count on it. Initial Visit Includes consultation, exam & adjustment Create a healthy habit with chiropractic Relief. On So Many Levels. TM Looking for ways to save this holiday season? Use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for chiropractic care. The Joint - West U wishes you all a happy holiday season. Enjoy your holiday season pain free and doing what matters most. Just 15 minutes a week of routine chiropractic care can help treat pain and prevent it from coming back. The Joint® offers membership plans and packages, making staying healthy affordable and convenient. NO APPOINTMENTS NO INSURANCE NEEDED OPEN EVENINGS & WEEKENDS West U 3177 W. Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77025 (713) 588-0858 | thejoint.com *Offer valued at $39. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2017 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.

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