Message from the Dean: MD Anderson and CTRC

Dear HSC Colleague:

(Today’s story in the) San Antonio Express-News was based on a reporter’s inquiry that UT System may be creating a new, larger statewide network for all of UT’s cancer centers around the state. This is likely to include the work that the CTRC is preliminarily evaluating with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The inquiry was based on information included in the Board of Regents report, which is accessible to the public.

We were contacted by the news outlet (on May 17) seeking more detail about our work together with MDA. We’ve just signed today a letter of intent to explore working together, which was shared with staff in a recent town hall meeting held at the CTRC. However, to be responsive, I shared with the SAEN that UT Medicine and the Cancer Therapy & Research Center are evaluating ways to increase access to cancer services for the residents of San Antonio and the surrounding region. I also noted that part of this work includes assessing opportunities with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a fellow UT entity, on possibilities to enhance the patient experience, deliver additional needed cancer services to residents and complement the advanced care and research provided in this market. More detail cannot be provided as discussions with MD Anderson have just begun so no further specifics have been defined.

Dr. Raymond Greenberg, Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs for the UT System, shared that Chancellor McRaven has challenged all of the UT institutions to partner together to better serve the citizens of Texas.  In that spirit, UT MD Anderson and UT Health Science Center San Antonio are exploring ways that they can leverage their collective resources to expand cancer services in San Antonio.  MD Anderson presently provides care in Houston to many San Antonians and through this collaboration, many of these patients could receive much of their care closer to home, thereby saving travel costs, time away from work and family.

We are pleased to be a leader in exploring partnerships like the one between the CTRC and MDA that align as part of the Chancellor’s “Quantum Leap for Health Care.”  Our work and collaboration reflect a commitment to expanding access to health care services, growing the strength of patient care programs and enhancing scientific discovery to advance lifesaving options for those we serve.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Again, we wanted to ensure you were made aware of this inquiry prior to its possible mention in the local newspaper. We value your partnership and look forward to ongoing dialogue to support exceptional cancer care for our families and our community.

Francisco González-Scarano, M.D.

Dean, School of Medicine

Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs



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