The University of Houston (UH) and DHR Health Hospital System have agreed to establish the UH Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, US.

A $15m state appropriation will support the centre, which will improve health care access, boost medical research, and expand education in a medically underserved area of Texas.

The collaboration combines the health sciences expertise of UH and the clinical presence of DHR Health in South Texas to create more opportunities for researchers, medical students, and residents while address the state's urgent health challenges.

UH president Renu Khator said: “The University of Houston is committed to building a healthier Texas, and that means expanding our reach to communities where the need is greatest.

“Through this partnership with DHR Health, we are strengthening the state's health workforce pipeline, expanding our capacity for medical research and ensuring the people of the Rio Grande Valley have greater access to the care and innovation they deserve.”

Under the agreement, DHR Health will build a facility for joint educational partnerships, research initiatives, and clinical training programmes focused on enhancing outcomes for conditions that disproportionately impact the Rio Grande Valley region.

The facility will offer a dedicated space for UH researchers, faculty, and students to participate in clinical research.

UH health affairs vice-president and Fertitta College of Medicine dean Jonathan McCullers said: “This partnership represents the next step in our vision to grow a truly statewide medical school that trains the next generation of physicians where they are needed most.

“By combining the academic strength and clinical excellence of UH and DHR Health, we are creating an anchor for medical education and discovery in South Texas, one that will improve lives and advance the practice of medicine across the state.”