Service is extended through the HSC s work with Rural and Community Health Institute efforts to assist rural hospitals across the state.

Transcription

1 Nancy W. Dickey, M.D. President, Texas A&M Health Science Center Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Texas A&M University System Dr. Nancy W. Dickey is the President of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs for The Texas A&M University System. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Dickey served as interim dean of the College of Medicine from June 2000 until December 31, She assumed her current office on January 1, Dr. Dickey is a past president of the American Medical Association, the founding program director of the Family Medicine Residency of the Brazos Valley, and professor of Family and Community Medicine at the HSC-College of Medicine. The Texas A&M Health Science Center is a university of the health sciences that includes the Baylor College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, School of Rural Public Health, and other institutes and academic programs. Under Dr. Dickey s leadership, the health science center is growing in the number of programs and number of graduates, expanding its research programs and extending its service to the citizens of Texas. Dr. Dickey was the first woman ever to be elected President of the American Medical Association. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including five honorary doctorate degrees, in both science and law. She serves on numerous committees, both locally and nationally, writes for several medical and health policy journals, and is a frequent speaker at professional and civic organizations around the country and world. Academic Calendars The Texas A&M Health Science Center has both traditional and semester-year terms. Academic calendars for each college may be found at Dates and times are subject to change without notice. Introduction The Texas A&M Health Science Center reaches across Texas through its seven colleges: Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas; the College of Medicine in Bryan-College Station, Corpus Christi, Houston, Round Rock and Temple; the College of Nursing in College Station; the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; the Institute of Biosciences and Technology in Houston; the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy in Kingsville; and the School of Rural Public Health in College Station; Southern regions of the state also are served by the Coastal Bend Health Education Center, which covers a 19-county region surrounding Corpus Christi, and the South Texas Center at McAllen. Service is extended through the HSC s work with Rural and Community Health Institute efforts to assist rural hospitals across the state. The HSC received full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in December Accomplishments such as a steady increase in research funding, continuing exemplary performance on professional 1

2 licensing exams and new degree offerings are all evidence of the HSC's growing momentum. The Texas A&M Health Science Center is well on its way to becoming a premier institution within the System and statewide. Accreditation The Texas A&M Health Science Center is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane; Decatur, Ga ; ) to award baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and professional degrees. In addition, the HSC colleges are accredited by accrediting organizations specific to their areas. HSC-Baylor College of Dentistry has accredited programs in dentistry, dental hygiene and the advanced dental education programs of dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and advanced general dentistry. These programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (211 E. Chicago Ave.; Chicago, Ill ; ). The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education. The HSC-College of Medicine is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), which was formed in 1942 by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association. It accredits all medical schools in the United States and Canada. LCME also is recognized as the accrediting body for medical schools by the U.S. Secretary of Education, the U.S. Congress in various health-related laws, and state, provincial (Canada) and territorial licensure boards. Further information about accreditation can be obtained from the LCME secretary at either the American Medical Association (1515 N. State St.; Chicago, Ill ; ) or at the Association of American Medical Colleges (2450 N. Street, N.W.; Washington, D.C ; ). The HSC-Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy has received pre-accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (20 North Clark St., Suite 2500; Chicago, Ill ; ). It is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of continuing pharmacy education. The HSC-School of Rural Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (800 Eye St. N.W., Suite 202; Washington, D.C ; ). It is the sole accrediting body for all public health programs and schools of public health in the United States. The HSC-College of Nursing has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBN). Full approval status will be granted when the college graduates its inaugural class. Catalog This catalog provides information about the academic programs of the Texas A&M Health Science Center (HSC) to students, prospective students, faculty and staff. It includes information concerning admissions, academic regulations and requirements, services available to students, academic offerings, and a list of the administrative officers and faculty of the HSC. While every effort has been made to make this catalog as complete and accurate as possible, changes may occur at any time in requirements, deadlines, fees, curricula and courses. This catalog was prepared in advance of its effective date; therefore, the course descriptions and rotations may vary from actual course content due to advancements in the discipline, interests of individual professors or decisions to change the scope of a course. Thus, the catalog is not provided in the nature of a contractual obligation. The state of Texas, through the legislature and administrative agencies, approves statutes and regulatory language. System policies and regulations are formulated by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and 2

3 System administration, respectively, to comply with laws and regulations of the state and federal governments. College rules and procedures are developed by the administrations of the colleges to put into effect the policies and regulations. Policies and regulations are subject to modification through acts of legislature, agency regulation or the Board of Regents, and these changes supersede all college rules, procedures and other printed materials. Therefore, a student in a program of the HSC is subject to the policies and regulations of The Texas A&M University System. Until detailed rules or regulations are approved by the HSC, the rules and regulations of Texas A&M University will generally be used for HSC students. Refer to the HSC website for updated information. The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student, faculty or staff member and the HSC or The Texas A&M University System. This catalog is for informational purposes only. The college reserves the right to change or alter any statement herein without prior notice. This catalog does not create a right on the part of any student to continue his or her educational program under its terms. Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy The Texas A&M Health Science Center, in compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. The Texas A&M University System does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's handicap and complies with Section 504 in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of students in its programs and activities. The designated 504 Coordinator for the Texas A&M University System is the Assistant Executive Director, System Human Resources Office, who is responsible for equal opportunity/affirmative action matters, telephone (979) The HSC provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to students with handicapping conditions, as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institution's academic requirements. The Texas A&M University Department of Disability Services coordinates Texas A&M University programs and efforts for the benefit of the individuals covered within both the Texas A&M University and the HSC under the statute. For additional information, contact the office at (979) Mission In all we do, we dedicate the full measure of our resources and abilities to advancing the knowledge and technologies of our professions, and to bringing Texans the finest in health education, promotion and care. Because of our work, people's lives are changed - across our state, around the nation and throughout the world. Goals The goals of the Texas A&M Health Science Center include the following: Improve the health of Texans by extending the efforts of the Health Science Center across the state and the nation Attract, develop and retain a diverse group of exemplary faculty who promote the Health Science Center s mission through their research, education, service and commitment to the health of populations they serve Promote an optimal educational environment that develops and strengthens necessary competencies of current, future and former students Serve the state of Texas by operating a well-managed institution guided by visionary leaders who are committed to excellence in the health professions Enhance the financial foundation of the Health Science Center in order to strengthen its capacity to address the health needs of Texas 3

4 Develop a distinctive, service-oriented organizational culture within the Health Science Center that embraces the ethnic diversity of the state, geographic diversity of our institution, and diversity of talents among students, staff and faculty Administration Board of Regents Bill Jones, J.D., Austin Richard A. Box, D.D.S., Austin Morris Foster, Houston, Chairman Phil Adams, Bryan Jim Schwertner, Austin Lupe Fraga, Houston Gene Stallings, Powderly Ida Clement Steen, San Antonio James P. Jim Wilson, Sugar Land, Vice Chairman Anthony Cullins, Student Regent, Dallas Vickie Burt Spillers, Executive Secretary to the Board The Texas A&M University System Administration Michael D. McKinney, M.D., Chancellor Greg R. Anderson, Associate Vice Chancellor and Treasurer Frank B. Ashley III, Ed.D., Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Stanton C. Calvert, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations B.J. Crain, Associate Vice Chancellor for Budgets and Accounting Rod Davis, Director of Communications Nancy W. Dickey, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Guy Diedrich, Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations and Commercialization Vergel L. Gay Jr., M.Arch., Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities Planning and Construction 4

5 Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Research Andrew Strong, General Counsel Janet Smalley, Chief of Staff Cathy Smock, Chief Auditor The Texas A&M Health Science Center Administration Nancy W. Dickey, M.D., President, Health Science Center and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, The Texas A&M University System David A. Cantrell, M.A., M.B.A., M.P.M., Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer David S. Carlson, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Interim Director, Institute of Biosciences and Technology James S. Cole, D.D.S., Dean, Baylor College of Dentistry Christopher C. Colenda, M.D., M.P.H., Dean, College of Medicine, The Jean and Thomas McMullin Dean of Medicine Alicia M. Dorsey, Ph.D., Vice President for Program Development and Community Outreach Russ A. Gibbs, D. Min., C.F.R.E., Vice President for Institutional Advancement Cullen M. (Mike) Godfrey, J.D., Chief Legal Officer Jenny E. Jones, M.A., Vice President for Governmental Affairs Roderick E. McCallum, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean, School of Rural Public Health Barry C. Nelson, Ph.D., Vice President for Finance and Administration Indra K. Reddy, Ph.D., Dean, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy Sharon Wilkerson, Ph.D., R.N., Acting Dean, College of Nursing Historical Background The Texas A&M Health Science Center, established in 1999, is committed to improving the health of Texans through integrated education, research and public service programs that emphasize accessibility and public and community health. This approach extends the land-grant philosophy of The Texas A&M University System to improving the quality of life through good health and strengthening the economy by encouraging a healthy work force. The Board of Regents of the A&M System officially approved the establishment of the Texas A&M Health Science Center in September One year prior, in September 1996, the Board of Regents authorized the chancellor to 5

6 undertake a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of consolidation of the major health-related elements within the A&M System into a System-wide health science center. The rationale for this analysis included the potential for better service to the people of Texas through a statewide emphasis on community health, increased effectiveness through multidisciplinary collaboration, a central focal point for health-related issues within the A&M System and enhanced external support for the health programs. The results of this study recommended to the Board of Regents that the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, the then-proposed School of Rural Public Health, Baylor College of Dentistry, and the Institute of Biosciences and Technology be integrated into a new institution The Texas A&M Health Science Center. The recommendation also included creating a Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to offer graduate degree programs in medicine, dentistry and public health. In addition to these four components, the Texas A&M Health Science Center has established relationships with Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, which have employees serving all 254 Texas counties. As a result of the study, a resolution was written by the 75th Texas Legislature in support of the desire of the Board of Regents to accomplish the consolidation. The formal reorganization of existing members into an A&M System Health Science Center was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on January 23, 1998, and the School of Rural Public Health was officially approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on April 23, During the 76th Texas Legislature, funding was approved to consolidate and create the new A&M System Health Science Center, effective September 1, Since then, the Texas A&M Health Science Center has continued to evolve and grow. It received full accreditation for 10 years from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in Accreditation by the Commission on Colleges signifies the HSC has a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish its purpose on a continuing basis. A 23,000-square-foot South Texas Center was constructed in McAllen and dedicated in 2004 to expand the Health Science Center s presence in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and complement the current programs of its initial component program, the School of Rural Public Health. It features laboratories, offices, classrooms and conference areas so the HSC can develop a wide range of health training, clinical research, medical education, community medicine and public health programs with local partners. In 2003, an education center was constructed in Temple to enhance the partnership between the College of Medicine and Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic. The 45,000-square-foot facility containing a library, lecture halls, classrooms, an auditorium, a lecture resources center and more is used for numerous medical programs involving medical students, residents, fellows and faculty/staff. Also that year, the Rural and Community Health Institute (RCHI) was established. The RCHI supports academic programs and works to strengthen community outreach and research programs to reduce the shortage of health care professionals in rural communities and the disparity in health status between rural and urban communities. The Texas Enterprise Fund awarded $50 million in 2005 for the creation of the Texas Institute for Genomic Medicine, a non-profit organization founded by the Institute of Biosciences and Technology in Houston, Texas A&M University in College Station and Lexicon Genetics Inc. in the Woodlands. The institute is designed to pioneer the development of life-changing medical innovation, accelerate the pace of medical discoveries and foster the development of the biotechnology industry in Texas. After years of borrowing space in Bryan and College Station, the School of Rural Public Health has a home of its own to continue innovative efforts for assisting underserved and rural areas of the state. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred in February 2006 for the three-building, 100,000-square-foot complex located on the Texas A&M University campus. 6

7 Another noteworthy Health Science Center development was creation of the Office of Homeland Security to address homeland security issues related to human health. Lt. Gen. Paul K. Carlton Jr., M.D., was chosen as its first and current director. The College of Medicine has incrementally expanded its class size from 80 to 200 students per class. Possible through the expansion of pre-clinical and clinical experiences in Bryan-College Station and Temple, the increase is an effort to address the health needs for the state's increasing population. Following approval of the Board of Regents and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy officially joined the Texas A&M Health Science Center in April Classes for the first students in the college, located on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus, began in August The Rangel College of Pharmacy is named for District 35 Rep. Irma Lerma Rangel, chair of the House Higher Education Committee who long fought for the first professional school in South Texas and died of cancer in March A groundbreaking ceremony on the three-story, 63,000-square-foot facility featuring wireless access and research laboratories occurred the same month Rangel died, and the college officially was named after her in October In July 2008, the College of Nursing received approval from the Texas Board of Nursing, enabling the college to welcome its charter class of 44 students. The Texas Board of Nursing overwhelmingly approved the HSC-College of Nursing as having met the minimum requirements and standards for establishing a baccalaureate degree nursing educational program to prepare registered nurses. The college also received approval from the THECB. The HSC-College of Nursing was commended for the well-written and comprehensive proposal for establishing a new program. Board approval authorizes the college to admit and enroll students immediately. Full approval status will occur when the HSC-College of Nursing graduates its inaugural class. Along with the growth in colleges, the Texas A&M Health Science Center and City of Bryan are collaborating on a new campus on about 200 acres along State Highway 47 (adjacent to Traditions Club Golf Course) that will allow the HSC to consolidate its academic programs and administration currently located throughout Bryan and College Station onto a single campus. Regents approved the allocation to the HSC in December 2006, having earlier accepted the land gift from the City of Bryan. Fifty of these acres will be for health-related public-private partnerships and facilities. The first two campus buildings in the initial development phase are the $68 million Health Professions Education Building (HPEB) and the $60 million Medical Research and Education Building (MREB), which will be interconnected. Construction on both has begun, with the HPEB expected to open for occupancy in July 2010 and the MREB in April A construction contract was awarded to Houston-based Satterfield and Pontikes Construction Inc. In addition, the 80th Texas Legislature appropriated $9 million in 2007 for an HSC-Round Rock campus to provide medical education. The HSC-College of Medicine already is providing clinical training for third- and fourth-year medical students in Round Rock as part of the expansion of the college s existing campuses in Temple and College Station. About 35 third- and fourth-year medical students are now working dozens of rotations in various Williamson County hospitals. In January 2007, the Avery family donated property located west of Farm-to-Market 1460 and south of County Road 112 in Round Rock. The donation included a gift of 15 acres, the purchase of 10 acres, and the option for an additional 25 acres that already has been accepted. Construction on the first building began in mid-august The new 130,000-square-foot facility will be used for clinical teaching, a simulation center equipped with computerprogrammed manikins, student life and student service support, and Health Science Center and HSC-College of Medicine administration. The campus will support other HSC offerings that could include the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing and others. 7

8 Approximately 33,000 square feet is slated for use by Lone Star Circle of Care, a federally qualified Community Health Center, to operate a clinic for Williamson County uninsured and underinsured residents. The clinic will function as a major teaching site for the HSC-College of Medicine students. Texas A&M Health Science Center Colleges Baylor College of Dentistry The Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry at Dallas opened its doors more than 100 years ago as the State Dental College. Today, with an enrollment of approximately 568 and more than 8,000 graduates, the college is internationally recognized for its oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and community service programs. The school provides the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene degrees, and graduate training in dental specialties. College of Medicine The College of Medicine educates and equips physicians who are compassionate about their patients and dedicated to the communities in which they serve. With campuses at Bryan-College Station, Corpus Christi, Houston, Round Rock, and Temple and programs throughout Central Texas and the Coastal Bend, approximately 1,200 basic scientists and clinicians instruct students during the course of their medical education. The school offers the M.D. degree and specialty training for most medical and surgical specialties. College of Nursing The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing, located in College Station, was created in response to the severe nursing shortage across Texas. With a nursing work force as well as a large population that is aging and ready to retire, it is vital to the state of Texas to help increase the number of registered nurses. The college is committed to addressing this vital need. The faculty and staff believe that highly skilled nurses, in collaboration with other health professionals, through research and service will facilitate individuals, families, and groups to achieve a maximum state of well-being. After receiving approval from the Texas Board of Nursing, the college began with 44 students. The college currently offers three different tracks for the baccalaureate degree. One is a standard generic Bachelor of Science in nursing (B.S.N.), requiring two years of prerequisite courses and two years of nursing curricula. A second accelerated program is for those who already have earned a bachelor s degree in another field of study. The third track is an R.N. to B.S.N. program allowing registered nurses with diploma or associate degrees to complete additional course work for the B.S.N. Long-range plans include nursing graduate programs to include master s and doctoral programs. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences The goal of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is to prepare future faculty and researchers to improve the health of Texans through scientific discovery and education. The graduate school offers master s and doctoral programs in biomedical and public health sciences. Since its inception in 1999, students pursuing graduate degrees through the GSBS have increased from 64 to 103 in These programs use an interdisciplinary approach to provide educators and biomedical researchers for the future. Students and faculty are located in College Station, Houston and Dallas. Institute of Biosciences and Technology Located in Houston in the world-class Texas Medical Center on the Texas A&M Health Science Center Houston campus, Institute of Biosciences and Technology researchers focus on the basic research required for developing cures and treatments for cancer, heart failure, stroke, bacterial infections, birth defects, hereditary diseases, and 8

9 diabetes and metabolic diseases. Institute research groups also host undergraduate and graduate students from diverse programs within the Texas A&M University System and institutions in the Texas Medical Center. Graduate and postdoctoral education is conducted at the Institute of Biosciences and Technology as part of the HSC-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The Institute of Biosciences and Technology is organized around centers comprised of faculty and researchers working on common themes: Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Center for Environmental and Genetic Medicine, Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease, and Center for Molecular Development and Disease. Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy The Texas A&M Health Science Center Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy is located on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The college is a state-of-the-art building that provides a 63,000-square foot area to support the college s curricular and programmatic goals. Major hospitals, community pharmacies, outpatient clinics, and a number of specialty pharmacies (e.g., nursing home, home health care) serve as clinical sites for students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. The existing Texas A&M Health Science Center educational programs, research initiatives, and outreach activities in South Texas provide a strong foundation on which the college has continued to build. Strong clinical partnerships and agreements were already in place for pharmacy students and faculty in the college, thereby allowing for interdisciplinary training for health professional students. Each fall semester, approximately 90 students are accepted into the incoming class. School of Rural Public Health The Master s in Public Health (M.P.H) degree is the primary professional degree in public health and is offered at the College Station campus as well as several locations in Texas through state-of-the-art distance education technology. The majority of students at the school seek an M.P.H. in one of eight areas of specialization: biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, occupational health, border health, and public health and management. The school offers a Master s of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H) degree, the public health research degree in four specialization areas, as well as the Master s in Health Administration (M.H.A.). Also, the school offers three doctoral degrees a Ph.D. in Health Services Research and a Doctorate in Public Health (Dr. P.H.) in both Environmental Epidemiology and Social and Behavioral Health. The school is ranked in the top 25 graduate schools of public health in the U.S. News and World Report America s Best Graduate Schools 2008: Public Health. The school serves communities across the country and throughout the world and has conducted research/ public health interventions in 241 of 254 counties in Texas. A&M System Health Science Center Academic Units Coastal Bend Health Education Center The Texas A&M Health Science Center Coastal Bend Health Education Center, located in Corpus Christi, provides health education for health professionals and the greater Coastal Bend community. The center maximizes state funds by collaborating with private organizations and sharing community resources. In delivering health education programs, HSC-CBHEC has been successful in regionalizing programs and resources by partnering with colleges, universities and hospital systems. HSC-CBHEC s initiatives address recruitment into health careers, community health education and public health issues. In order to alleviate the health professions shortage, HSC-CBHEC initiated the Health Careers Recruitment Program and continues to develop Health Care Career Clubs in area high schools and middle schools. HSC-CBHEC also supports the HSC-College of Medicine in its recruitment efforts. The Partnership for Primary Care program encourages exceptional high school students to pursue a career in rural medicine by offering early admission to the 9

10 HSC-COM. The Continuing Medical Education Program provides medical education to both the urban and rural physicians and health professionals. HSC-CBHEC s diabetes education program addresses the region s high priority health care issues such as diabetes, chronic disease prevention, and Alzheimer s disease. South Texas Center The Texas A&M Health Science Center South Texas Center, located in McAllen and established in 2001, provides comprehensive, accessible health education programs and services to residents of the Lower Rio Grade Valley. Since 2004, the HSC-South Texas Center has been housed in a 23,000-square-foot facility providing space for laboratories, offices, classrooms and conference areas for the health science center to deliver a wide rang of health training, clinical research, medical education, community interventions and public health programs with local partners. The HSC-School of Rural Public Health began offering a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program, with an emphasis on Border Health, in fall The program is a traditional M.P.H. program with examples from the border integrated throughout the curriculum and capstone practicum experience. The program will rely on a variety of teaching modalities in person, web-based and videoconferencing. Students may be full or part time. The HSC-South Texas Center Health Careers Program (HCP) is committed to recruiting students into health related careers and providing educational events related to health care occupations and professions. In collaboration with area school districts, the HCP provides opportunities throughout the school year and during the summer for middle school and high school students to explore the range of health-related opportunities available. Projects in research and applied public health in South Texas depend on the advice, leadership, and collaboration of promotoras (community health workers). Faculty and staff at the HSC-South Texas Center, including promotoras, advise and collaborate in ongoing clinics, screening programs and mobile health projects to provide health care to South Texas communities. Additional environmental health projects related to air quality monitoring in public school buildings and minimization of exposure to household hazardous materials are currently under way. Faculty at the HSC-South Texas Center are working with the City of McAllen, local county governments and government officials in Mexico to address the health issues in the border population, particularly the high rate of type 2 diabetes, lack of medical insurance, poor access to health care and the effects of environmental factors. In addressing type 2 diabetes, faculty has secured funding for a series of projects to enhance nutrition knowledge and physical activity levels of colonia residents. Efforts to determine the impact of pesticide exposure in South Texas populations are spearheaded by HSC-School of Rural Public Health faculty and trained promotoras conducting data collection from colonia residents. Library Resources The Texas A&M Health Science Center operates or has access to a number of extensive library facilities at various HSC and Texas A&M University locations, which collaborate to provide students and faculty members from each component with a wealth of scholarly and reference material. Information on the major library facilities available to students of the HSC follows. The Baylor Health Sciences Library at HSC-Baylor College of Dentistry meets the academic and professional information needs of students, faculty and staff by providing ready accessibility to current and comprehensive information sources and services. The library contains approximately 37,000 volumes and subscribes to more than 2,800 journals, including 2,100 full-text online publications. In addition, some 2,000 volumes comprise the Sellers Collection of rare books in medicine, religion and art. The library provides access to a variety of electronic resources, including Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and more than 500 electronic textbooks. 10

11 Also at HSC-BCD, the Instructional Computer Laboratory (ICL) is a PC-based classroom with video projection and multimedia equipment. This facility is operated by the Office of Information Technology for use by HSC-BCD students, faculty and staff. The PCs are networked to allow access to electronic information resources at the college library and on the Internet. The laboratory is designed for hands-on, computer-based instruction to small groups of students. When not in use for classes, workshops and training sessions, ICL is available for self-directed learning using computer-aided instruction and other audiovisual materials. Many of the materials have been developed by HSC-BCD faculty to support the instructional program. Medical Sciences Library The Medical Sciences Library serves the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The library houses a specialized collection of biomedical books, journals and electronic resources as well as related materials in the areas of agriculture and the life sciences such as biochemistry, animal science, nutrition and the plant sciences. The Medical Sciences Library s physical collection includes more than 130,000 volumes of journals and books in print. As one of the Texas A&M University libraries, the Medical Sciences Library offers access to more than 45,000 electronic journals, more than 450,000 electronic books, and more than 800 databases from its website. MSL also offers access to biomedical information to local health institutions, as well as health care professionals in the community and immediate region. In addition, as the only veterinary library in Texas, MSL serves veterinarians statewide. The staff also works with remote extension service sites to meet information needs for agricultural uses throughout Texas. The MSL provides reference and education services to local and remote users as well as interlibrary loan services available through the DeliverEdocs or Get it For Me service. Known as the quiet study spot on campus, MSL has group and individual study rooms and study space. Open extensive hours to serve students, staff and faculty of the TAMU System, the Medical Sciences Library offers remote access to its catalog and other electronic resources through its website at For more information about MSL's services and policies, please visit its website or call (979) Library Facilities Sterling C. Evans Library The University Libraries complex consists of the Sterling C. Evans Library and Annex, the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, the West Campus Library, the Policy Sciences and Economics Library, and the Medical Sciences Library. The University s principal research collections, numbering approximately 4 million volumes and 5.4 million microforms, are housed in the centrally located Sterling C. Evans Library and Annex. The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, repository for rare books, manuscripts, special collections and archives, is located on the west side of Evans Library, across from the Academic Building. The Educational Media Services (EdMS) on the fourth floor of the Annex provides audiovisual and multimedia services and videotape resources. Through the online catalog, LibCat, users can access the Library s books and thousands of journal articles by author, title, subject and keyword searching. Approximately 51,797 serial titles are currently received, including some 150 state, national and foreign newspapers. The library is a depository for selected U.S. federal documents, Texas state documents and U.S. patents. The West Campus Library primarily serves the Mays Business School. It has a limited, specialized collection of 650 periodicals, reference works and current monographs in business. 11

12 The Barclay Center offers a variety of electronic resources, including compact disc and online databases, as well as access to the Internet to serve the needs of business. The Policy Sciences and Economics Library in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center has a limited, specialized collection of periodicals, reference works and current monographs in political science, government, and public service and economics. It also offers several hundred electronic journals and databases. Information and services for these libraries can be accessed on the web at Learning Resources Centers The HSC-College of Medicine operates two Learning Resources Centers (LRCs), one in College Station and one in Temple. The LRCs are student-centered and independent study environments that support the use of curriculum materials. Both LRCs include reserve and circulating books and software, computers, and study and small group rooms. LRC staff manages curriculum databases and assist students in using resources. More information can be found on the Learning Resources website at Clinical Campus Libraries The libraries of the Central Texas VA Health Care System and the Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic extend library privileges to HSC-COM medical students. The VA library consists of a collection of approximately 5,800 books, 1,000 audiovisuals and 400 current journals. The Scott & White library contains a collection of 10,990 print and electronic books and more than 3,400 current journal subscriptions. Texas A&M Health Science Center Marketing and Communications Texas A&M Health Science Center Marketing and Communications provides communications support for the HSC and its colleges. The office performs public information functions such as press releases, event coordination, newsletters, publications and publicity, media relations and development, and maintenance of the HSC website at Texas A&M Health Science Center Marketing and Communications also offers full support for research publication graphics, brochures, PowerPoint presentation slides and computer presentations. Publication design, layout and production services are available for brochures, instructional materials, technical publications, posters, newsletters and catalogs. Conventional and computer illustration services are available as well. HSC-Marketing and Communications offers photographic services, including digital and traditional photography, copy photography, film scanning, and clinical and specimen photography (including photomacrography and photomicroscopy). Complete black-and-white and color laboratory services are available as well. Programs Offered Baylor College of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery Length: 4 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: Dental Admissions Test, 90 semester hours college course work minimum; Baccalaureate degree preferred Application Deadline: Oct. 1 12

13 Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: General Dentistry Degree: D.D.S. Contact: Office of Recruitment and Admissions TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry 3302 Gaston Ave.Dallas, TX Graduate Dental Education Length: 24 to 72 months General Admissions Requirements: D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, National Board scores, a competitive academic record and references Application Deadline: Varies by program Start Term: Summer Specialization, Program of Study: Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics. Public Health Sciences, Prosthodontics Degree: M.S./ Certificate; M.D./ Certificate; or Certificate Contact: Office of Research and Graduate Studies or Specialty Department BCD 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX Dental Hygiene Length: 2 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: 60 semester hours college course work including core courses for B.S. degree Application Deadline: Encouraged application by Dec. 31 Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Dental Hygiene Degree: B.S. 13

14 Contact: Office of Recruitment and Admissions BCD 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX Dental Hygiene Length: 2 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: B.S. degree, National Board scores, graduate of dental hygiene program, license to practice dental hygiene, GRE Application Deadline: No set date Start Term: Summer Specialization, Program of Study: Administrative Track, Education Track Degree: M.S. Contact: Office of Research and Graduate Studies or the Specialty Department Baylor College of Dentistry 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX Biomaterials Science Length: 2 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: B.S., B.D.S., D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree; minimum GPA of 2.7; acceptable GRE; competitive academic history and references Application Deadline: No set date Start Term: Summer Preferred Specialization, Program of Study: Biomaterials Degree: M.S. Contact: Office of Research and Graduate Studies or Department of Biomaterials Science BCD 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX Health Professions Education Length: 2 yrs. 14

15 General Admissions Requirements: D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree; National Board scores; GRE; competitive academic history and references Application Deadline: No set date Start Term: Summer Preferred Specialization, Program of Study: Dental Education Degree: M.S. Contact: Office of Research and Graduate Studies or Office of Student Development BCD 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX Oral Biology (with associated speciality certificate) Length: M.S. 2-4 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, National Board scores, GRE, competitive academic and clinical history and references Application Deadline: Application date of the specialty Start Term: Summer Specialization, Program of Study: Endodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics Degree: M.S. Contact: Office of Research and Graduate Studies or Specialty Department BCD P.O. Box Dallas, TX Doctor of Dental Surgery / Master of Science (D.D.S. / M.S.) Doctor of Philosophy (D.D.S. / Ph.D.) in Biomedical Sciences Length: D.D.S. /M.S.: 5 years D.D.S. / Ph.D.: 7-8 years General Admissions Requirements: Dental Admissions Test, 60 semester hours college course work, GRE Application Deadline: Nov. 1 Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Same as for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degree: D.D.S. and M.S./Ph.D. 15

16 Contact: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Office of Recruitment and Admissions BCD 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX Dental Specialty / Ph.D. Length: 5-8 years General Admissions Requirements: D.D.S., D.M.D., B.S. degree in scientific discipline, competitive academic history, references, GRE, and Dental Admissions Test Application Deadline: Application date of specialty Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Specialty plus BMS areas Degree: Ph.D. and associated specialty certificate Contact: Department of Biomedical Sciences 3302 Gaston Ave. Dallas, TX College of Medicine Program: Doctor of Medicine Length: 4 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: Medical College Admissions Test Application Deadline: Nov. 1 Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Degree: M.D. Contact: Office of Admissions College of Medicine 159 Joe H. Reynolds Medical Building College Station, TX College of Nursing Program: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Length: 12 to 22 months 16

17 General Admissions Requirements: Prerequisite coursework varies by program Application Deadline: Varies depending on campus Start Term: Varies depending on campus Specialization, Program of Study: BSN Generic Program, BSN Accelerated Program, RN to BSN Program Degree: B.S.N. Contact: Kathryn Cochran, TAMHSC College of Nursing 362 SRPH Administration Building, MS 1266 College Station, TX Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Medical Sciences, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy Length: 2-6 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: Baccalaureate degree in scientific discipline, GRE, competitive academic history and references Application Deadline: Feb. 1 Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Human Anatomy & Neurobiology, Medical Biochemistry & Genetics, Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Medical Physiology & Microcirculation, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cardiovascular and Integrative Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis, Neurosciences Degree: M.S; Ph.D. Contact: Associate Dean for Graduate Studies College of Medicine 110 Joe H. Reynolds Medical Building College Station, TX Master of Science in Public Health Length: 2-7 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: B.S., B.A. or advanced degree; 3.0 GPA or higher; GRE required Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Occupational Safety and Health, Social and Behavioral Health 17

18 Degree: M.S.P.H. Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Philosophy Length: 7-8 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: Must meet requirements for admission to medical school and graduate school, MCAT, GRE (recommended), competitive academic history and references Application Deadline: Nov. 1 Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Same as for the Ph.D. Degree: M.D. and Ph.D. Contact: Office of Student Affairs and Admissions College of Medicine 159 Joe H. Reynolds Medical Building College Station, TX Doctor of Philosophy in Health Services Research (Ph.D) Length: 3-7 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: Master's degree from an accredited institution; 3.5 GPA or higher; GRE or GMAT Start Term: Fall Specialization, Program of Study: Health Services Research Degree: Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy Length: 2-6 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: D.D.S. degree and recommended B.S. degree in scientific discipline, competitive academic history, references, and GRE Application Deadline: 3 months prior to start of term Start Term: Fall, Winter, Summer Specialization, Program of Study: M.S.; Anatomy, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology / Immunology, Physiology / Pharmacology Ph.D.; Craniofacial Biology, Stomatology, Biomaterials 18

19 Degree: M.S.Ph.D. Contact: Office of Research and Advanced Education or Department of Biomedical Sciences BCD P.O. Box Dallas, TX Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy Length: 4 years General Admission Requirements: Admission on individual basis, minimum 2.75 GPA; 50 percent and above composite PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) score; completion of pre-pharmacy courses Application Deadline: March 10 Start Term: Fall Specialization: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Practice Degree: Pharm.D. Contact: Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy Texas A&M Health Science Center 700 University Blvd., MSC 131 Kingsville, Texas School of Rural Public Health For all programs: Application Deadline: March 1 for fall admission September 1 for spring admission Contact: Office of Student Affairs School of Rural Public Health 163 SRPH Administration Bldg. College Station, TX Master of Public Health Length: 2-7 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: B.S., B.A. or advanced degree; 3.0 GPA or higher; references, GRE required. Start Term: Fall & spring Specialization, Program of Study: Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioral Health, Community Public Health and Management 19

20 Degree: M.P.H. Master of Health Administration Length: 2-7 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: B.S., B.A. or advanced degree; 3.0 GPA or higher; GRE or GMAT required Start Term: Fall and spring Specialization, Program of Study: Health Policy and Management Degree: M.H.A. Doctor of Public Health Length: 3-7 yrs. General Admissions Requirements: Master's degree from an accredited institution; Master of Public Health degree or comparable course work; Competitive GPA; GRE Start Term: Fall & Spring Specialization, Program of Study: Social and Behavioral Health, Epidemiology Degree: Dr.P.H. Health Science Center Centers and Institutes Rural and Community Health Institute (RCHI) In 2003, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents gave HSC authorization to create the Rural and Community Health Institute (RCHI), a powerful new resource for physicians and health care facilities operating in rural areas. Since its inception, RCHI has grown from offering hospitals one core service, the Rural Physician Peer Review Program, with two participating hospitals to an organization that extends across the state of Texas with a presence in more than 99 facilities. RCHI continues to create fruitful partnerships with rural and community physicians, clinics, and hospitals. For small or rural facilities that may find it difficult to conduct certain programs or services on their own, RCHI provides support in the following areas: Quality and patient safety Health care delivery services that include strategic planning, surveys, peer review and utilization management Continuing education Data management, analysis, and service as a data repostitory Health care policy research Medical staff affairs Contact RCHI at (979) , fax (979) or online at 20