Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas System
Strengthen Affiliation
Leaders of the Texas Heart Institute (THI) and The University of Texas System (UTS) signed a new, revised affiliation agreement on Monday, May 18, 2009. The purpose of the amended agreement is to strengthen the collaborative effort begun in December 2004 by pursuing common interests in research and education relating to cardiovascular disease, including: 1) aligning efforts in the recruitment of world-class scientists and cardiac specialists; 2) expanding joint cardiovascular research opportunities at THI and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H); and 3) cooperating in international efforts in cardiovascular education and research.
Dr. James T. Willerson, President and Medical Director of the Texas Heart Institute, said, "This is a partnership of excellence. It will allow THI to expand its research capacity and cooperate with other UT component institutions. It will help to ensure that we maintain our leadership roles and position us for even greater accomplishments in the coming years."
"We anticipate a long and constructive relationship between The University of Texas and the Texas Heart Institute. This enhanced affiliation agreement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cooperation between two great institutions. Its terms strengthen both of us in important ways and unite us in our core responsibility of saving lives," said Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, Chancellor of the UT System. "It is also a tribute to Dr. Denton A. Cooley, whose contributions to both institutions are legendary."
Others participating in the signing were Mr. Meredith J. Long, Chairman, THI Board of Trustees; Dr. Kenneth I. Shine, Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs; and Dr. Larry R. Kaiser, President of The University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston. Others present were THI Trustees Elyse Lanier, Rodney Margolis, John Duncan, and Reed Morian; UT Regents James Dannenbaum and Robert Stillwell; and Dr. Richard Wainerdi, President of the Texas Medical Center.
THI was founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley in 1962 to reduce the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative programs in research, education and improved patient care. THI is consistently recognized as a worldwide leader in research and education related to cardiovascular disease, the primary cause of premature death in our society.
Established by the Texas Constitution in 1876, the mission of The University of Texas System is to provide high-quality educational opportunities for the enhancement of the human resources of Texas, the nation and the world through intellectual and personal growth. UTS consists of nine academic universities and six health institutions, and is regarded as one of the nation's leading academic systems.
Dr. Cooley, President Emeritus and Surgeon-in-Chief of THI, and an alumnus of The University of Texas, said the signing of the Amended Affiliation Agreement was a source of great satisfaction. "Imagine, he said, having your alma mater and the institution you founded and nourished join forces to advance the progress against cardiovascular disease. I am very gratified."
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Participating in the signing were: (front row) Dr. Denton A. Cooley,
Dr. James T. Willerson, and Dr. Francisco Cigarroa; (back row)
Dr. Kenneth I. Shine, Dr. Larry R. Kaiser, and Mr. Meredith Long. |
