Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso | El Paso

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) is a public medical university located in El Paso, Texas. It is part of the Texas Tech University System and plays a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of West Texas and the U.S.-Mexico border region. Established in 1969 as a branch of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, it became an independent institution within the Texas Tech University System in 2013. TTUHSC El Paso is focused on education, research, and patient care, aiming to provide a culturally competent healthcare workforce and innovative solutions to the region’s unique healthcare challenges.

Mission and Focus

TTUHSC El Paso serves the people of the West Texas and U.S.-Mexico border region, an area with diverse cultural and socio-economic challenges. Its mission revolves around improving health outcomes in this area by providing high-quality medical education, conducting research tailored to regional needs, and delivering patient care. TTUHSC El Paso addresses issues such as health disparities, chronic diseases, and access to care in a region with a large underserved population.

Academic Schools

TTUHSC El Paso consists of four schools that offer professional education in health sciences. These schools are:

Paul L. Foster School of Medicine:

Established in 2009, the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is the only medical school on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The school offers a curriculum that integrates both basic and clinical sciences, emphasizing early clinical exposure and community engagement.

One of the distinctive features of this school is its Medical Spanish training, preparing students to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking patients.

Students are educated in a community-centered setting, where they have the opportunity to work with underserved populations, allowing them to address healthcare issues unique to the region.

The school offers a highly collaborative learning environment with a focus on preparing students for both urban and rural healthcare environments.

Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing:

Founded in 2011, the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing plays a vital role in addressing the nursing shortage in the region by preparing students for a wide range of roles in clinical, educational, and community healthcare settings.

The school offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is dedicated to developing compassionate, skilled nurses who can meet the diverse healthcare needs of the region.

The school emphasizes leadership, innovation, and evidence-based practice, ensuring that students are well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern healthcare.

L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences:

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offers advanced training for students pursuing a career in biomedical research.

It offers programs such as the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a post-baccalaureate certificate program.

The graduate school emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and research, with a focus on solving health-related problems in the community, including the prevention and treatment of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases.

Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine:

Opened in 2021, the Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine is the only dental school on the U.S.-Mexico border.

It is the first dental school in Texas to open in more than 50 years, and its establishment is aimed at addressing the shortage of dentists in the region.

The school provides students with early clinical exposure and Spanish language training to help them communicate effectively with patients in the area.

The curriculum focuses on both dental education and community health, preparing students to work in diverse settings with a focus on providing care to underserved populations.

Research Focus

TTUHSC El Paso is deeply involved in research, particularly in areas that affect the local population. The institution’s research efforts are centered on four key Centers of Emphasis:

Cancer:

Research efforts focus on understanding and treating cancers prevalent in the border region, such as colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.

TTUHSC El Paso conducts studies to improve early detection, treatment options, and healthcare access for cancer patients.

Diabetes and Metabolism:

Given the high prevalence of diabetes and metabolic disorders in the region, research at TTUHSC El Paso aims to address the causes and treatment of these diseases.

The institution works on developing new treatment methods and improving disease prevention strategies.

Infectious Diseases:

TTUHSC El Paso has a strong focus on the study of infectious diseases, including those that are prevalent in the border region, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and Zika virus.

The institution engages in research to develop better diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines for infectious diseases.

Neurosciences:

Research in the neurosciences focuses on improving the understanding and treatment of neurological conditions like epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The institution’s research in this area aims to improve patient care for individuals with neurological disorders, especially in underserved communities.

Clinical Services

TTUHSC El Paso operates a number of community clinics throughout the El Paso area, providing essential healthcare services to a large, diverse, and underserved population. These clinics allow students to gain hands-on clinical experience while also contributing to the health and well-being of the community. The institution partners with local hospitals, including the Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus, to provide a full spectrum of clinical care.

Student Enrollment and Demographics

As of the 2022-2023 academic year, TTUHSC El Paso has a total enrollment of 855 students, with 258 undergraduate students and 597 graduate students. The student body is predominantly female, with 63.27% of the students identifying as women. TTUHSC El Paso has a diverse student population, with a significant number of students from underrepresented backgrounds, reflecting the diverse demographics of the region it serves.

Impact and Community Engagement

TTUHSC El Paso is dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes for the people of El Paso and the U.S.-Mexico border region. The institution places a strong emphasis on community involvement, social responsibility, and cultural competency, ensuring that its students and faculty are equipped to address the specific healthcare needs of the local population.

Through its academic programs, research initiatives, and community-based healthcare services, TTUHSC El Paso continues to make significant contributions to the health and well-being of the region, while also training the next generation of healthcare professionals who will go on to serve these communities.

Summary

TTUHSC El Paso is an integral part of the healthcare landscape in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Through its four academic schools, strong research initiatives, and clinical partnerships, it plays a critical role in addressing the health challenges of the region. The institution’s focus on healthcare education, research, and community outreach ensures that it is helping to shape the future of healthcare in the area while also providing essential services to underserved populations.