The Future of Rural Health: Accelerating Biomedical Excellence at TTUHSC

Abstract: This NIH STRONG-RLI proposal submitted in response to PAR-23-144 is entitled The Future of Rural Health: Accelerating Biomedical Excellence at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). TTUHSC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution. TTUHSC received $12,539,679/year on average in NIH funding in the three-

year period 2020-2022, placing us in the High Research Active category. Established 54-years ago, we are a comprehensive academic health center that trains health care and biomedical research professionals, conducts cutting-edge research, delivers comprehensive patient care, and engages in robust community service. We have

5 schools (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, and Population Public Health) and 5 campuses (Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, Midland/Odessa, and Dallas). We serve 108 counties in Texas, representing 50% (131,000 square miles) of the state’s total land mass and 9.4% (3.1M people) of the total population. Inequities

in access to healthcare and education in our smaller communities carry risks for our nation and the world. The inhabitants of West Texas generate three commodities (food, fuel and fiber) essential for survival. Research capacity building with funds from this proposal will address these inequities and help secure a talented workforce

as we increase our research preeminence. Three specific aims are proposed. In Aim 1, we will conduct a needs assessment that incorporates preliminary data and works to optimize the tools and instruments required to gather new information. We will use risk assessments, SWOT analyses, and evidence-based tools developed by

leading organizations such as the National Council for University Research Administrators. In Aim 2, we will create an action plan aligned with our values-based culture, execute the plan through our governance structure, and refine the plan through an iterative process of evaluation and adjustment. The investigative team will focus

on organizational effectiveness through vertical integration (between office of research and associate deans for research in each of the 5 schools) and horizontal integration (between university-level support units, e.g., research, finance, compliance, and information technology offices). Our strategic translational research themes

of cancer, brain health, cardiometabolic, and infectious disease will guide this process. Regular meetings through our university governance structure including 5 councils (research, academic, clinical, people operations, and external affairs) will facilitate the achievement of milestones. Aim 3 will foster alignment between the investigative

team and steering committee. Clear and frequent communication between the investigative team and steering committee, and implementation and refinement of the action plan in concert with the TTUHSC governance structure, are expected to build research capacity and productivity. After three years of funding, we expect our

efforts will translate into increased extramural funding that leads to a sustained doubling of our NIH funding to >$25M.