A Robust Model for A Sustainable Diverse Healthcare Community - The Center for Diversity and International Programs, UNT Health Science Center

Abstract

About CDIP The Center for Diversity and International Program’s (CDIP) 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 research and Health Professional career paths. CDIP’S programs A pipe line of programs from “K-12” to “healthcare professionals” are offered by CDIP K – 12 Outreach Stimulate and broaden student’s awareness of biomedical and health professional careers paths by exposing students to clinical and laboratory research environments at UNTHSC. Undergraduate Summer Research Internships Various undergraduate summer research programs at UNTHSC are funded through numerous sources. Participants are created with minority and non-minority-serving institution partners across USA. Graduate and Health Professional Student Training Programs Supports short term and dual degree research training for underrepresented students in health professions. Faculty Grant Writing and Professional Development Provide research and mentoring to underrepresented graduate and heath professional students, post-docs and junior faculty. CDIP’S structure The main pillars of CDIP are constituted with (1) Texas Center for Health Disparities (TCHD): A National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (specialized Center of Excellence in Health Disparities (U54) was announced in 2017. (1) Research (2) Education and Training and (3) Outreach (2) National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN): Develop a culture of mentoring relationships, and more broadly the research workforce. (3) Diversity Training Programs: The plan includes a variety of programs that reach out to students from K-12, through college, and into graduate school and health care professions. (4) Texas Minority Health, Education Research and Outreach: Supports PhD scholars, junior faculty development and scholarship for senior faculty. Impact of CDIP CDIP has pioneered inter professional collaboration at institutional and national levels. 801 students and 201 faculty members from various colleges/schools at UNT Health Science Center and partnering institutions across the nation participated in various programs offered by CDIP and benefiting their educational or professional career. Such collaboration resulted in more than 200 publications and $24.76 Million in research funding. In summary, CDIP functions are in full alignment with the mission of ‘One University’.