Dear HSC Faculty, Staff and Students,
It is such an incredible honor that I begin this day as the seventh President of The University of North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) at Fort Worth.
From the first time I set foot on the HSC campus in January 2020, I could feel the energy, and I knew there was something special about this university. My passion for community, innovation, diversity and public partnerships led me to HSC, but the values-based culture here was the major factor in my decision to accept the position in October 2020 as senior vice president and chief strategy officer.
One of the first things I want to accomplish as president is a campus listening tour to learn more about your perspectives and those of our community stakeholders on the university’s priorities going forward. I’d like to hear your thoughts about the possibility of growing HSC’s clinical capabilities and academic programs. This could include adding new degrees, expanding research and maybe even adding new schools. I want our employees, students and community members to be more engaged with the university. Then and only then can we build an agenda for the future.
I am committed to expanding HSC’s research portfolio and bringing national attention to our university for all the cutting-edge research that is taking place around health disparities, Alzheimer’s disease, eye disorders, forensic identification and more. The research being conducted at HSC has the potential to significantly improve access, quality and the cost of care locally and nationally. The creation of HSC’s new Center for Health Policy uniquely positions HSC to educate and inform the public and health professionals about key health care issues that impact the health care workforce, patient care and public health.
I look forward to working with the provost, faculty and staff to recruit and retain students from underserved and underrepresented communities, which includes rural areas and urban health care deserts. Because of the projected health care professional shortage, we must find innovative ways to prepare and recruit the providers and scientists of the future. Recruiting and retaining high-caliber faculty is also essential to moving HSC forward as an academic leader in all areas of health professions education.
I believe strongly that we need to broaden HSC’s relationships with the communities we serve. From events such as Remote Area Medical (RAM) to the upcoming launch of our whole health initiative, there are so many opportunities for us to build partnerships to create solutions for a healthier community.
Another area of focus for me will be philanthropy. This includes increasing university fundraising, which will ultimately benefit the students that HSC serves and allow us to expand our portfolio of programs and innovative initiatives to prepare the next generation of health care professionals and serve our community.
Here are several upcoming initiatives at HSC:
- EAD Second-Floor Renovation – The Institute for Health Disparities has significantly grown, along with its research portfolio, and it is recognized as a national center by the National Institutes of Health. The institute has outgrown its current space, and in order to support its thriving programs, the second floor of the EAD building will be renovated to accommodate this growth. Renovations of the second floor of the EAD building will begin in the near future. Once completed, those at the institute will have a state-of-the-art facility to host national research-related forums.
- Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator Program – This innovative program kicked off Monday, and a Demo Day is scheduled for Dec. 8. The accelerator is a first-of-its-kind partnership between HSC, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and Goff Capital. It supports and funds early-stage startups creating new technologies, treatments and therapies in rehabilitation, physical therapy, performance and exercise.
- RAM – HSC is partnering with Remote Area Medical, also known as RAM, to host a pop-up clinic delivering free dental, vision and medical care to people who are underserved or uninsured. This is the second year we’ve hosted this clinic. It will be held Dec. 3 and 4 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. This is an excellent opportunity for you to volunteer in our community, whether you can provide medical care or want to assist with general support.
- Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit (BMWCx) – HSC will host this event on campus on Feb. 18. The goal of this program is to inspire young people to consider careers in health care while laying the foundation for success through mentoring and networking. The target audience for BMWCx is K-12 students and parents, undergraduate students and pre-health advisors. The event is open to anyone regardless of racial or gender identity. There are many volunteer opportunities available, and I encourage you to get involved.
I look forward to hearing from you about how we can work together to create healthier solutions and improve the lives of others. Please feel free to send me your thoughts at president@unthsc.edu. Thank you for trusting me to lead this outstanding institution with incredible and dedicated faculty and staff.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams
President