Research Education Programs Handbook

Composition and Responsibilities of Methodist Academy Components
Methodist Academy
The Methodist Academy is the academic branch of The Methodist Hospital Research Institute. It was
established to foster partnerships with academic institutions in order to train students and postdoctoral
researchers to be leaders in medical translational research. Opportunities exist for study in fields including:
Translational Imaging, Nanomedicine, Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Cancer, Cardiovascular
Disease, Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, Infectious Disease, Neurosciences, Inflammation and Epigenetics,
Genomic Medicine, Transplantation Biology, and Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.
Methodist Academy Trainee Association
The Methodist Academy Trainee Association (MATA) is a self-governed organization of undergraduate
students, graduate students, medical students, postdoctoral and clinical research fellows, residents and other
individuals in a training capacity involved in research at the Research Institute. MATA has an elected
president, two vice presidents (one postdoctoral and one pre-doctoral) and a secretary. These elected officials
will have a term of one (1) year in which they will help to organize all MATA related activities.
MATA is designed for the trainees of the Research Institute and serves as a centralized organization for
education, networking, intramural activities, and career development and advancement opportunities. MATA
will host and sponsor events such as seminars, lectures, journal clubs and workshops that are designed to be
of interest to the Research Institute trainees. MATA also organizes initiatives such as travel awards,
leadership conferences, and socials like happy hours, sporting events and diversity fairs.
Methodist Academy Council of Deans
The Methodist Academy is governed by the the Research Institute Council of Deans (“Council”), which
includes members of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of
Engineers. In addition to serving as the scientific and strategic advisory board to the Research Institute
president and CEO on academic research and education, the Council also works to promote the Research
Institute in the academic community, provide guidance and mentorship to the Research Institute faculty
members, and support integration of research and education between the Research Institute and home
institutions. The members of the Council serve a life-long term and meet twice a year to discuss strategic
initiatives and academic organizational development.
Methodist Academy Affiliation Agreement Process
To fulfill the mission of the Methodist Academy, which is to develop educational and research partnerships that
foster medical innovation, we will form affiliation agreements with strategic partner institutions. The legal
department of The Methodist Hospital System has drafted a template agreement that serves as the foundation
for the initiation of negotiations with candidate partner institutions. If the partnering institution requests
changes or edits, it must go back to our legal department for review and approval before being signed by
executive administration from the Research Institute and the partnering institution.
Criteria that are considered when considering partnership with a domestic or international partner include:
•
Academic strength and reputation
4
•
•
•
•
•
Strategic alignment of interests in research/education/clinical offerings (aligned with the Methodist
Centers of Excellence)
Willingness to invest financial resources into the partnership
Opportunities to secure joint funding that are mutually beneficial
Philanthropic development potential for the Research Institute
Revenue generating opportunities for The Methodist Hospital System
The Research Institute Training Plan
In order to advance training and research opportunities, the institute has established technical and service core
facilities with expert leadership to provide service, training and guidance in advanced research technologies.
Facilities and services offered include cyclotron cGMP radiopharmaceutical production, a machine shop,
genomic sequencing, proteomics, advanced tissue and cellular imaging, biomedical informatics support,
biostatistics support, comparative medicine, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostics,
preclinical catheterization, preclinical imaging, preclinical model development, research pathology, and a
serum and tissue biorepository.
The Research Institute research members have opportunities for affiliate faculty appointments at partnering
academic institutions and participate in academic training by providing interactive courses in high impact
research publications, professional seminars, and problem-based learning and technology-driven training
sessions. Research topics are team-taught with experts highlighting their areas of expertise. The Research
Institute faculty members provide quarterly progress reports to parent institutions and participate in graduate
student committee meetings. The majority of graduate training is co-directed by research members who have
active research collaborations between the two institutions. Upon accepting graduate students, the Research
Institute mentors agree to uphold high standards of mentorship, providing weekly meetings with the student.
Mentors also establish timelines and milestones to ensure that the student’s research project is advancing at
an acceptable rate. Every six months, the Methodist Academy Oversight Committee meets with the students
and summarizes mentor evaluations to provide general feedback on mentoring, and recognize outstanding
mentorship with academic awards. All graduate students present their general research topic to the Oversight
Committee three months after their start date, and present their defined research topic, both in written and oral
form, to their advisory committees at the six-month mark. The Research Institute mentors agree to support the
academic guidelines and standards established by the partnering degree granting institutions.
Please note that any signed Academic Affiliation Agreement between the Research Institute and an institution
would supersede this current Training Plan.
5
Trainees
Trainee Responsibilities
All trainees of the Research Institute are to adhere to and are held accountable for the official human
resources policies and procedures of The Methodist Hospital System. In particular, trainees are responsible
for research policies and procedures including but not limited to:
Standard Operating Procedures for Good Clinical Practices
Laboratory Safety Manual
The Research Institute Laboratory Specifics Hazards Training
The Research Institute Controlled Access
Reporting Laboratory Incidents/Reportable Events in the Research Institute Laboratory Facilities
Trainees conducting research at the Research Institute under an affiliation agreement with their home
institution or university are also expected to follow that institution’s procedures and abide by the regulations
that they have set forth.
Trainee Evaluations
Trainees will evaluate their mentors and the training environment on an annual basis. Evaluations will be used
to improve and strengthen our academic programs at the Research Institute. Evaluations will be conducted
through the New Innovations software program. Trainees will receive an email notification with information on
how to complete the online evaluation.
Trainees with Visas
Anyone who is not 1) a U.S. Citizen, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. a green card
holder), or 3) a protected class such as a refugee or asylee must hold a US immigration status that allows
them to take part in Methodist activities, whether they are paid or unpaid. Human resources immigration
specialists will determine whether a trainee has the appropriate visa status or requires sponsorship to
participate in the Research Institute program. All visas must be reviewed and initiated by Methodist human
resources immigration services. Michele Stelljes ([email protected]) or 832-667-6288 is the contact
person for any and all visa related issues. Please refer to the following charts as a guide.
6
Visas At A Glance
Visa Status
F-1
J-1
H-1B
TN
NAFTA
Purpose
Full time study in US
degree programs
Degree-specific
Trainee’s
F-1 students authorized
eligible for
by their US College or
visa
University for the specific
authorization the Research Institute
activity.
A category
of FN that
may be
paid?
Yes or no, as authorized
by F-1 School Officer at
the US College or
University.
Processing
Times
CPT subject to school
processing
(subject to
third party
processing
changes)
OPT subject to
government processing
Employment visa for
Canadian and Mexican
Temporary worker in a
professionals
Research, and
specialty occupation
non-clinical training
Employer-specific
Employer-specific
Sponsor-specific
International
EXCHANGE
Employment
Graduates of a 4
Graduates of a 4 year Workers that possess
year Bachelors
Bachelors or advanced the background and
degree program,
credentials for the
degree program in the
graduate program,
position as listed in the
specialized field of
or student enrolled
NAFTA Appendix
employment
in a master or
Methodist job offer
Methodist job offer
doctoral program
required
required
Methodist or third
party J-1 program
sponsorship
required
Yes or no, as
allowed for unpaid
positions
Yes
Yes
Outside USA: 60 to
Outside USA or
Outside USA: 21 to 60
90+ days
change of status: 90 to
days
180 days
Transfer: 40 to 60
days
Transfer/porting an H1B: 55 to 180 days
7
Visa Status
B-1
B-2
ESTA Visa Waiver
(WB/WT)
Dependents
PURPOSE
Business visits,
observation,
conference
attendance,
limited
collaborations, or
medical school
electives.
Tourism
Site-seeing, visiting
family, permitted to
watch, observe
See B-1 & B-2
Solely to join spouse
or parent
Not available for
most students and
trainees
Not available for
most students and
trainees
No
No
A category of
FN that may be
paid?
May not enroll in
courses, volunteer
or train
Only certain visas
categories offer an
option for work
authorization
(i.e. L-2 and J-2)
Yes, ONLY with an
unexpired EAD
If medical insurance is not being offered through the trainees’ employment offer at the Research Institute, the
trainee may contact Chartis Educational Markets at www.studentinsurance.com to find information regarding
their college student health insurance program. For a J-1 student, insurance coverage is a requirement that
must be met by the student.
Trainee Problem Resolution Plan
Trainee issues and/or concerns should first be discussed with the supervisor/mentor. If a resolution cannot be
found at this level, then the trainee should contact Amy Wright, project manager of the Methodist Academy
([email protected] or 713-441-7267) who will evaluate the issue and if needed, direct it to the appropriate
Oversight Committee member.
Dress Code
Employees and visitors are expected to present themselves in a professional manner at all times and wear
appropriate professional apparel. The following items are not allowed while on the Methodist campus:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Blue jeans or denim wear
Flip flops or sandals
Shorts
Large, dangling earrings
Exposed body piercings
Exposed tattoos
For those working in a laboratory environment, no open-toed shoes
For additional information, refer to Policy HR16, Personal Appearance Guidelines,
http://www.tmh.tmc.edu/HR/employeerelations/personal%20appearance%20guidelines.pdf
8
ID Badges
All the Research Institute Trainees must wear their badges at all times while on the Methodist campus. In
addition, Methodist employees and visitors are prohibited from loaning badges to anyone at any time, including
other staff members. For individuals requiring access to badge restricted areas, contact Ms. Brenda Hartman
at [email protected]. For additional information, refer to Policy HR 34, Identification Badges,
http://www/tmh.tmc.edu/reference/mhcsproc/hr/HR34.pdf
Lab Notebooks
It is a requirement of the Research Institute to keep all research records in a regulation lab notebook. Contact
the Office of Technology Transfer: [email protected] to obtain a lab notebook and all other questions regarding
best practices for documentation.
Laboratory Safety Procedures and Contacts
In collaboration with Methodist Hospital Environmental Health and Safety, the Research Institute Laboratory
Operations is focused on prevention of safety incidents and based on the Research Institute Safety
ICARE values: Building up a safety culture foundation with a goal of excellence in safety standards and
emergency procedures for the Research Institute research staff, students and visitors:
I: Incidents/Safety Goal: No Incidents!
C: Compliance with Safety Regulations
A: Accountability
R: Respect Hazardous Materials
E: Excellence in Safety Standards
The Research Institute onboarding/credentialing process includes mandatory online training which covers
general laboratory safety. This online instruction should be completed before or immediately after the trainee
arrives to begin work at the Research Institute. The trainee will receive additional safety guidelines from the
Research Institute Laboratory Operations, and their department, laboratory manager and mentor.
The Research Institute Institutional Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) and the TMH Chemical Hygiene
Plan also provide safety guidance to all research laboratories.
TMHS Chemical Hygiene Plan:
http://www/dept/Safety/Program_Lab.htm
The Research Institute research policies and procedures:
http://www.tmh.tmc.edu/refernce/mhcsproc/research/tmhri/research_tmhri_index.htm
Each Research Department Laboratory develops and follows their lab-specific safety manual which includes
Safety procedures for the hazards used in that specific lab.
9
In addition to the trainee’s mentor and laboratory manager, contact persons for safety related questions and
issues include:
Roy (Karoly) Meszlenyi
Manager, Laboratory Operations
Office: 713-441-7311
Cell: 832-370-0647
E-mail: [email protected]
Brenda Hartman
Director, Laboratory Operations
Office: 713-441-5841
Cell: 281-753-7026
E-mail: [email protected]
Mike Metcalf
Safety Representative
Office: 713-441-8262
Cell: 832-205-4568
E-mail: [email protected]
Cesar Villarreal
Safety Representative
Office: 713-441-8263
Cell: 281-831-1576
E-mail: [email protected]
Mario Soares
Safety Director
Office: 713-441-0719
Cell: 281-740-6983
E-mail: [email protected]
Onboarding Process
The Research Institute Trainees must go through the onboarding process which includes TMHS human
resources and the Research Institute orientation sessions. For credentialing, trainees should contact
[email protected] or 713-441-5845.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Trainees that qualify as eligible employees are able to earn time for approved absences such as vacation,
holidays, personal reasons, severe weather, emergencies, family illnesses and short-term personal illness. All
scheduled PTO must be approved by the trainee’s mentor and/or department administrator. Trainees must
follow their department policy to determine whom to call for unscheduled absences. For additional information,
refer to Policy HR25, Paid Time Off. http://www.tmh.tmc.edu/refernce/mhcsproc/hr/hr25.pdf
Payroll
The Research Institute trainees that receive compensation will be paid on a bi-weekly basis (every two weeks).
The payroll schedule is attached as an appendix. Please expect U.S. taxes to be taken from your
paycheck. If you are eligible for a reduction in your taxes, or benefit from a tax treaty, you may contact Diane
Zakrzewski, Human Resources Payroll Coordinator, at [email protected] upon arrival with your
inquiries.
10
2013 Payroll Periods
Pay Period
Number
Begin Date
(Sunday)
End Date
(Saturday)
Official Payday
1
12/16/2012
12/29/2012
1/3/2013
2
12/30/2012
1/12/2013
1/17/2013
3
1/13/2013
1/26/2013
1/31/2013
4
1/27/2013
2/9/2013
2/14/2013
5
2/10/2013
2/23/2013
2/28/2013
6
2/24/2013
3/9/2013
3/14/2013
7
3/10/2013
3/23/2013
3/28/2013
8
3/24/2013
4/6/2013
4/11/2013
9
4/7/2013
4/20/2013
4/25/2013
10
4/21/2013
5/4/2013
5/9/2013
11
5/5/2013
5/18/2013
5/23/2013
12
5/19/2013
6/1/2013
6/6/2013
13
6/2/2013
6/15/2013
6/20/2013
14**
6/16/2013
6/29/2013
7/3/2013
15
6/30/2013
7/13/2013
7/18/2013
16
7/14/2013
7/27/2013
8/1/2013
17
7/28/2013
8/10/2013
8/15/2013
18
8/11/2013
8/24/2013
8/29/2013
19
8/25/2013
9/7/2013
9/12/2013
20
9/8/2013
9/21/2013
9/26/2013
21
9/22/2013
10/5/2013
10/10/2013
22
10/6/2013
10/19/2013
10/24/2013
23
10/20/2013
11/2/2013
11/7/2013
24
11/3/2013
11/16/2013
11/21/2013
25
11/17/2013
11/30/2013
12/5/2013
26
12/1/2013
12/14/2013
12/19/2013
**Due to Holiday, Payday is scheduled for Wednesday
11
Trainee Travel Guidelines
All trainees must adhere to the Research Institute Travel Policy RE-73 regarding travel. In order for trainees to
be authorized to attend a seminar or conference on behalf of the Research Institute, the trainee must provide
documentation of selection to give a presentation or poster at the conference. Otherwise, the mentor of the
trainee must receive permission from their department administrator and justify the trainee travel.
Resources/Useful Information
BigMail
The size limit for email attachments sent or received from a Methodist email account is 10 MB, but often our
attachments exceed this limit. Methodist IT has set up the BigMail system for use with both internal and
external recipients. Simply point your browser to https://bigmail.tmhs.org and provide your email address and
network password to begin. External recipients must first be invited to use BigMail. To do this, send an email to
the recipient through the BigMail system. They will be asked to create a username and password, and will then
have access to this feature.
Computer Support
The IT Help Desk handles all computer needs, including computer set up and any technical issues that may
arise. Call the IT Help Desk at 832.667.5600 or send an email to [email protected].
Housing
There are multiple apartment complexes located adjacent to the Texas Medical Center that allow easy access
to the Research Institute. You may contact Karen Reichek at Apartment Directions, and she will assist you in
finding a short or long term lease in your price range. Her contact information is:
Karen Reichek: [email protected] 713-789-3777 or 713-826-6527
Apartment Directions
3300 Chimney Rock, Suite 104
Houston, TX 77056
Please note that all students should come prepared with sufficient financial resources to cover at least
one month of living expenses including housing, food, rent deposits and miscellaneous items. It may
take up to a month before students receive Methodist stipends or salaries, if applicable.
Library Access
From the Methodist network, you can access Library Services from http://www/Library/home.htm, or click the
“TMHS library resources” link under “reference information” on the bottom right of the intranet home page
(http://www.tmh.tmc.edu/). Methodist has access to hundreds of electronic journals and reference books. If you
need an article from a journal to which Methodist does not have access, access the A-Z: Electronic Books &
Journals site, and click the "Citation Search" in the top tab. You can search for the article (e.g. PMID number
from PubMed, or volume/page number), the form will auto fill, and clicking the “Submit” button will send it to
Library Services for interlibrary loan. The article is usually sent to you in PDF format within two days.
For additional information please contact Linné Girouard at [email protected] or 713-441-2229
To access electronic journals from outside the Methodist network, please contact the IT help desk to set up a
VPN account which will allow you to access the network remotely.
12
Houston Metro Transit Information
METRO's combination of services, including bus, train and vanpool, helps area residents and visitors meet
their unique transportation challenges. In order to take advantage of the transit system, you must obtain a
Houston Metro Q Card. This unique card contains a computer chip that stores a cash balance directly onto
your card. Fares are automatically deducted from your card each time you ride, just like a debit card. To find
out bus schedules, locations to buy a Metro Q card, and all other information for Metro, please go to:
https://ridemetro.org
Fare Zone Chart
Routes
Fare
Discounted Fare Students, Seniors, Medicare
Cardholders and Disabled
Local / METRORail
$1.25 per ride $0.60 per ride
Park & Ride Zone 1
$2.00 per ride $1.00 per ride
Park & Ride Zone 2
$3.25 per ride $1.60 per ride
Park & Ride Zone 3
$3.75 per ride $1.85 per ride
Park & Ride Zone 4
$4.50 per ride $2.25 per ride
(See map on next page)
13
14
Parking
If you are a Research Institute employee, then you may contact Geneence Jones in Parking at 713441-5655 for instructions for obtaining a parking or Metro Q card. If you are a Research Institute
Visitor, you may park in any of the garages listed below, or use the Metro Transit system.
After Hours Parking
Trainees with assigned parking in Smith Lands or Southwest Extension lots may park in TMC Garage 1 or 7 on
weekdays after hours between 6 p.m.-8 a.m. and all day on weekends and METRO holidays.
Trainees are assigned to the West Pavilion can park in Smith Garage only on weekends. There is no weekday
after-hours assignment for this lot. To access garage 1 or 7 during these hours, trainees should use their
standard parking card that is used to access the remote lots. Questions on parking? Contact Geneence Jones
at [email protected]
15
Security Escort
If a trainee is working after hours or on the weekends and would like a security escort to and from their office to
the parking garage, contact the Security Dispatch at extension 1-9511.
TMC Maps and Information
The Texas Medical Center (TMC) is the largest medical center in the world, with over 60 member institutions.
Parking information, detailed maps and directions, and general information on the TMC can be found at
http://www.texasmedicalcenter.org.
16
Alcohol
The legal age to drink in the U.S. is 21. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on The Methodist Hospital
grounds and any trainee under the age of 21 may not consume alcohol at any Research Institute sponsored
events.
Smoking
You are not allowed to smoke in any area of The Methodist Hospital System (which includes the ramps or
walkways to the buildings). In addition, the City of Houston has a mandatory ordinance as well as a fire code
prohibiting smoking in public areas. It is a misdemeanor offense with a fine of up to $200 to smoke in
elevators, places where combustibles are sold, supermarkets, clothing stores and other retail establishments.
New Tobacco-Free Hiring Policy: Effective January 1, 2013, Methodist will no longer hire tobacco users.
Applicants will be tested for tobacco/nicotine products usage, including nicotine gum and patches, during the
post-offer physical. If an applicant tests positive for tobacco use, the offer will be rescinded and individuals will
be given the opportunity to participate in a free Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Applicants
wishing to reapply after testing positive for tobacco may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was
rescinded.
Drivers License
The Texas Department of Public Safety implemented proof of residency requirements to obtain a first-time
Texas driver license or identification card. To review the requirements necessary to obtain a license or
identification card, you may go to the website:
(http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/identificationrequirements.htm).
To meet the residency requirement for an original identification card or driver license, an applicant must:
• Reside in Texas for at least 30 days prior to application
• Present two acceptable documents establishing proof of residency, one of which must demonstrate the
applicant has lived in Texas at least 30 days
The 30-day requirement is waived for applicants who surrender a valid, unexpired out-of-state U.S. driver
license, but two documents establishing proof of residency are still required.
For a complete list of acceptable residency documents and additional details, please visit
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/residencyReqNonCDL.htm.
The minimum age for a TDL is 18. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 can obtain a license if they have
successfully completed an approved driver’s education course. Age 15 can obtain a hardship authorization,
which permits a student driver to legally practice when accompanied by a licensed driver who has had at least
one year of driving experience. In all situations regarding minors, applications must be signed under oath by a
parent or guardian willing to assume with applicant the responsibility for any negligence or misconduct on
minor’s part while driving. Most officials at the area offices are notaries public.
For further information, and driver license locations, please call the:
Texas Department of Public Safety
713-681-6187 http://www.txdps.state.tx.us
17
Social Security
To obtain your social security card, you must apply in person at the following address:
SOCIAL SECURITY
8989 LAKES AT 610 DR
HOUSTON, TX 77054
For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or go
to http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5.htm.
Vehicle Registration
New residents must register and title their out-of-state licensed vehicles within 30 days of establishing
residence or beginning employment in Texas. All applications for a Texas Certificate of Title and Registration
must be filed with the Harris county tax assessor-collector at the Harris County Administration Building, 1001
Preston, or at any of the ten area sub-stations.
Before registering a vehicle, a new resident must have it inspected at an authorized state inspection station.
These stations are identified by a sign with a Texas State Silhouette. State inspections are valid for one year
following the inspection.
The new resident must then proceed to the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office or a sub-station. It is necessary to
bring the green inspection form (obtained at the inspection station), the amount of mileage on the car, the last
registration and title, and proof of insurance. If there is a loan on the car, bring the name and address of the
lien holder. The person in whose name the car is registered must be present to fill out the application.
Voting
To vote in Texas a person must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age, not be a convicted felon, not have
been ruled mentally incompetent, and be registered to vote.
To register to vote, obtain a voter’s registration certificate through the County tax assessor-collector’s office at
1001 Preston Street, Houston Texas 77002, Room 100 or any branch offices. Phone: 713-368-2000 for an
application. Voting eligibility begins 30 days from the registration certificate date. Applications become
permanent registrations with new certificates issued biennially. For information on polling locations call 713224-1919.
18
Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency Numbers
Houston Police, Fire, Ambulance- 911
Red Cross- Disaster Relief 713-526-8300
Dental Referral 713-961-4337
Doctor Referral 713-942-7050
Voter Registration 713-224-1919
Library 832-393-1313
Post Office 800-275-8777
Transportation
Auto Registration 713-224-1919
Metro 713-635-4000
Carpool 713-224-7433
Vanpool 800-826-RIDE
Yellow Cab 713-236-1111
Bush Intercontinental Airport 281-230-3100
Hobby Airport 713-640-3000
Greyhound Bus 713-759-6565
Amtrak 713-224-1577
Utilities
Reliant Energy (electric) 713-207-7777
Centerpoint Energy (gas) 713-659-2111
Power to Choose 866-797-4839
Utex (electric)
Southwestern Bell 1-800-464-7928
MCI 800-950-5555
AT&T 888-944-0447
Water-Harris County 713-371-1400 (city limits)
Cable Options
AT&T- www.att.com
Comcast- www.comcast.com
Direct TV- www.directtv.com
Dish- www.dish.com
19
Appendix
20
TMHRI Translational & Clinical Research Building
Floor 12: cGMP Manufacturing Facility
Floors 10-11: Shelled Laboratories
Floor 9: Cancer Research
Inflammation & Epigenetics
TMHRI
Floor 8: Diabetes & Metabolic Disease
Nanomedicine
Floor 7: Cancer Research & Nanomedicine
TMH
Floor 6: Infectious Disease
Systems Medicine & Bioengineering
Translational Imaging
Transplantation Biology
Floor 5: MITIE Innovation & Education
Floors 3 & 4: Vivarium
Floor 2: Auditorium & Boardroom
Floor 1: Imaging Suite, Reception & Valet
Basement: Cyclotron & Hot Cells
21
The Research Institute Departments, Programs, and Cores
The Research Institute Departments
Nanomedicine
The Department of Nanomedicine provides the infrastructure for the development of fundamental
platforms including silicon/semiconductors, nano/microfabrication, mathematics, molecular medicine
and pharmaceutical technologies. http://www.methodisthealth.com/Nanomedicine
Systems Medicine and Bioengineering
The Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering seeks cures and improvements in disease
diagnosis and treatments with computational, chemical and systems biology, imaging, physics,
biophotonics and bioengineering technologies that manage and integrate patient data with the
information generated by large scale research studies. http://www.methodisthealth.com/smb
Translational Imaging
The Department of Translational Imaging partners researchers with clinicians to develop new
translational imaging materials and technologies that improve patient diagnosis, therapy, and
outcomes. http://www.methodisthealth.com/translationalimaging
The Research Institute Programs
Cancer
The cancer research program at the Research Institute is one of the largest in Texas, with
basic,clinical, and translational studies covering many types of cancer including breast, endometrial,
genitourinary, and prostate. http://www.methodisthealth.com/cancerresearch
Cardiovascular Disease
The cardiovascular disease program at the Research Institute focuses primarily on atherosclerosis,
acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmia, atrial and ventricular fibrillation, and heart failure.
http://www.methodisthealth.com/tmhri.cfm?id=36369
Diabetes and Metabolic Disease
The diabetes and metabolic disease research program at the Research Institute will conduct a wide
range of investigational studies into the mechanisms of diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic
syndrome, tissue damage, and islet cell dysfunction.
http://www.methodisthealth.com/tmhri.cfm?id=36354
Infectious Disease
The infectious disease and inflammation research program at the Research Institute focuses on several
significant causes of human infection including group A Streptococcus (strep throat, flesh eating
disease), tuberculosis, and Vibrio cholerae. http://www.methodisthealth.com/tmhri.cfm?id=36324
Neurosciences
The neurosciences research program at the Research Institute concentrates on investigations of
amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's Disease, medically refractory dystonia, stroke, primary
brain tumors, and stuttering. http://www.methodisthealth.com/tmhri.cfm?id=36287
Transplantation Immunology
The transplantation immunology research program at the Research Institute directs its studies on the
minimization of postoperative complications for heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplantation.
http://www.methodisthealth.com/tmhri.cfm?id=36268
22
Programmatic Cores
Genomic Medicine
The genomic medicine program conducts research in nuclear hormone receptor genomic regulatory
mechanisms, and oversees a Next Generation genomic sequencing core that provides services to
the Research Institute researchers. http://www.methodisthealth.com/genomicmedicine
Proteomics
The Proteomics Programmatic Core at the Research Institute is dedicated to enhancing the clinical and
translational research capabilities of the Institute by providing scientific and technical support for
proteomics-related research. http://www.methodisthealth.com/proteomics
Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
The tissue engineering & regenerative medicine program was established to advance the field of cellbased therapies, and to support the Research Institute investigators in their research involving
pluripotent stem cells to treat human diseases. http://www.methodisthealth.com/tmhri.cfm?id=36229
Technical Cores
Advanced Tissue & Cellular Imaging Core
(Lab Locations: RIB R6-212, MC: R6-414 The Research Institute Advanced Cellular and Tissue
Microscopy Core Laboratory is a core lab providing the Research Institute community and Texas
Medical Center community access to advanced high-performance microscopy for cell biology and
tissue pathology studies. http://www.methodisthealth.com/tissue-cellular-imaging
Biomedical Informatics Support Core
The Biomedical Informatics Support Core is operated by the Department of Systems Medicine and
Bioengineering at the Research Institute, and it focuses on the development and integration of many
different informatics capabilities at Methodist. http://www.methodisthealth.com/biomedical-informatics
Center for Biostatistics Core The Center for Biostatistics (CFB) is a service and research core of
the Research Institute. Its staff provides biostatistical services to NIH-funded researchers and MPO
clinicians. CFB operates through a charge back system and is a fee-for-service core.
http://www.methodisthealth.com/biostatistics
Comparative Medicine Core
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute’s Comparative Medicine care and use program is registered
with the USDA (74-R-0192) and has an assurance (A4555-01) with the Public Health Service (PHS)
stating that we will remain in compliance with the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory
preclinical study models. http://www.methodisthealth.com/comparativemedicine
Flow Cytometry Core
The core maintains three instruments, a BD LSRII, FACS Fortessa, and FACS
Aria II. These instruments allow scientists to make very concise measurements at the cellular level,
evaluate a large number of samples in a short time frame, and gather information on very rare
populations of cells. http://www.methodisthealth.com/flowcytometry
Preclinical Imaging Core
Provides researchers access to resources, services, and expertise necessary to perform multimodality
imaging studies on preclinical study models, including PET, SPECT, CT, MRI/MRS, ultrasound, and
optical imaging. http://www.methodisthealth.com/preclinicalimaging
Preclinical Model Development Core
The mission of the Preclinical Model Development Core is to provide high quality state-of-the-art
physiological testing. http://www.methodisthealth.com/preclinical-model-development
Research Pathology Core
The Research Pathology Core is now providing histology and immunohistochemistry services in
support of research projects. http://www.methodisthealth.com/researchpathology
23
Scanning Electron Microscopy Core
Our high resolution imaging core is equipped with a Nova NanoSEM Scanning electron microscope and
two atomic force microscopes, the Multimode and the Catalyst. This equipment provides data on the
surface topology of specimens, such as cells, cellular components, or particles.
http://www.methodisthealth.com/SEM
Serum and Tissue Biorepository Core
This core is a resource that helps further the goal of translating the scientific discoveries into the best
treatment for our patients. It is a large, general-purpose Biorepository and associated database of preselected and randomly selected specimens for use by researchers within the Research Institute and
their collaborators. http://www.methodisthealth.com/serum-tissue-biorepository
Service Cores
Academic Office of Clinical Trials
The Academic Office of Clinical Trials (AOCT) provides leadership for clinical trials operations and
provides new and experienced investigators with staff resources to maximize the Research Institute’s
ability to conduct innovative clinical research. http://www.methodisthealth.com/clinical-trials-core
Machine Shop Core
This core is responsible for design, prototype, manufacture and repair small instruments, tools, and
parts.
24