CTSA K12 Program at Baylor College of Medicine and University of Houston - The K12 Companion Application for our CSTA, entitled “Consortium for Translational and Precision Health
(CTPH)”, seeks to promote the career development of early-career faculty members to become leaders in
translational science, with an emphasis on precision health and health equity. Our K12 program capitalizes on
the strengths of two institutions: Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and the University of Houston (UH). BCM is
a top-tier academic health sciences center with a rich history of innovative discovery leading to human
applications in genetics, biotechnology, medical research and medicine. UH is a Tier-1 research university, a
Minority-Serving Institution, with prestigious programs in pharmacy, computer science, business, mathematics,
behavioral science, population health, and biomedical engineering. Our program will promote synergy among
the partner institutions to create an integrated and thriving environment for developing the next generation of
experts in translational science. Their geographic proximity in Houston facilitates the partnership between BCM
and UH, only 4 miles apart, in one the nation’s most diverse and fastest-growing cities. Our K12 will support
physician-scientist and PhD scholars for a two-year training program with an optional third year, with 75%
protected time devoted to mentored research and career development activities (at least 50% for surgeons). We
will recruit a diverse group of scholars and provide a cross-disciplinary, team-based based training program
fulfilling the translational science competencies. Our scholars will receive training in precision health and health
equity and relevant disciplines, including digital health promotion devices, artificial intelligence and machine
learning, determinants of health disparities, implementation science, bioinformatics, multiomics, and related
concepts. Scholars will enroll in a unique curriculum consisting of 1) a common core team-based curriculum, 2)
an individualized curriculum, and 3) experiential activities. Our K12 program provides an ideal opportunity to
enhance the pool of highly qualified, diverse faculty who contribute to the health of Greater Houston communities
through innovative translational science.