PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UNT Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth is advancing its commitment to create the health providers of the future by partnering with Catalyst Health Network (Catalyst), a URAC accredited clinically integrated network known for innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care.
Under the agreement, UNTHSC students, who include future physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists and physical therapists, will train in primary care clinical settings under the direction of Catalyst providers. While most health care providers are trained in hospital settings, the vast majority of US healthcare is practiced in ambulatory settings. UNTHSC students will receive more training in the settings in which they are most likely to eventually work.
“The agreement reinforces UNTHSC’s focus on education, research and the healthcare of the community,” said UNTHSC President Dr. Michael R. Williams. “It will also give students new opportunities to train in the clinical environment in which they will one day practice.
“Catalyst not only aligns perfectly with UNTHSC’s values, it is the future of healthcare in North Texas,” said Dr. Williams. “This unique relationship embodies everything we do regarding our mission to create the healthcare providers of the future.”
The partnership offers an opportunity to change the way healthcare is delivered by bringing together private care and an academic institution. The result is expected to improve the quality of healthcare in North Texas and expand opportunities in research and education.
“Through this partnership, we will be able to accomplish more than either organization could do alone. UNTHSC is building the workforce of the future, and Catalyst is building the healthcare model of the future,” said Christopher Crow, M.D., president Catalyst Health Network. “Together we can shape the North Texas market to be a national leader in value-based care to help our communities thrive.”
Today most residencies are hospital-based, but 90 percent of medicine is practiced in ambulatory settings. UNTHSC students will be exposed to clinical settings where care is patient-centered, team-based, and focused on wellness and prevention. Additionally, Catalyst and UNTHSC plan to incorporate residency training in ambulatory primary care, since most primary care physicians practice in this environment.
“This partnership is all about collaboration -- and a unique relationship that is not tied to the past,” said Dr. Michael Hicks, UNTHSC’s executive vice president of health system partnerships and clinical affairs. “It’s about doing whatever it takes to redefine healthcare in North Texas and create the healthcare leaders of the future.”
About Catalyst Health Network
Catalyst Health Network is a clinically integrated network of PCPs who have come together to provide high-quality care, helping communities thrive. With 515 primary care providers, 140 office locations, 750,000 patients, and 70 care team members, Catalyst Health Network operates as a non-profit organization improving health, coordinating care, and lowering cost – creating sustainable and predictable value. The network is comprised solely of physician members and managed by StratiFi Health, a physician services and population health organization. For more information, visit www.catalysthealthnetwork.com or follow @CatalystHN on Twitter.
About UNT Health Science Center
UNT Health Science Center is a graduate university comprising six colleges for health care providers, researchers and scientists. Located on a 33-acre campus in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, UNTHSC has a strong culture based on values. Through extraordinary teamwork across the campus and the community, UNTHSC produces leaders in health care and science who transform lives. For more information, visit www.unthsc.edu.
