Mission and Vision

Mission

The Institute for Health Disparities’s goal is to advance career paths in biomedical sciences and health professions that reflect the diverse constituency we serve. To meet this goal our objectives are to broaden partnerships (local, national and international), unify institutional pipeline programs, innovate education and training, and lead diverse constituencies to opportunities in biomedical/behavioral science career paths.

The Institute for Health Disparities at UNTHSC at Fort Worth has developed a coordinated approach with local, regional, and national partners to increase participation of underrepresented students along the career pathway from K-12 to faculty level. Career stage-specific activities that include research, mentoring, networking, career development, grantsmanship, and health disparities curriculum are provided for participants. Successful outcomes from our coordinated plan include an increase in participant self-efficacy, research presentation awards, an increase in grant awards and publications, and career advancement. Through partnerships within our institution, local school districts, and minority-serving institutions nationwide, our coordinated plan provides mutually beneficial co-learning experiences to increase the number of underrepresented individuals entering translational research focused on increasing the biomedical research workforce diversity and achieving health equity.

Vision

Building Solutions for Healthier and Diverse Communities by Advancing Career Paths in Biomedical, Behavioral and Health Professions