In a re-cap of the TTUHSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine’s most important achievements over the last 12 months, J. Manuel de la Rosa, M.D., founding and regional dean for the school, points to the areas of education, research and patient care.

Education – Our charter class had a first time pass rate of 97 percent and an average score on the exam of 225 on the USMLE Step I exam. Some officials believe it exceeds national averages although that data won’t be available till later this year. Early reports indicate that they are better prepared for the trials of the clinical services than other traditionally trained students.

Research – Research has gone up by about eight-fold in terms of funding. The school now boasts a $12 million research portfolio with internationally renowned scientists working on cures for HIV, searching for genes that underlie major mental illnesses, and studying new treatments for cancer.

Patient care – Not only has patient care increased, but some of the treatments available to our patient population rival that of many of the nation’s centers and hospitals.