Houston, TX – (Nov.  21, 2024) – Baylor College of Medicine (Baylor) and The Texas Heart Institute (THI) have signed an agreement to form a premier cardiovascular health and research center, uniting two of the nation’s most distinguished programs in cardiovascular medicine.  This strategic integration will elevate patient care, accelerate medical research, and bolster education efforts, positioning the organization as an international leader in cardiovascular innovation and clinical care.

The integration of these two long-standing affiliates will be known as The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, and will be led by Dr. Joseph G. Rogers, the current president & CEO of THI, who already holds a faculty appointment at Baylor.  Combining Baylor’s leadership in healthcare, research and education with THI’s commitment to clinical and research excellence will create a powerful platform in the Texas Medical Center. It will accelerate a shared mission to develop new insights into the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and translate those findings into developing novel therapies that can be applied on a global scale.  Baylor’s joint venture hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, will be the center’s clinical home.

“It makes sense to bring these two historically strong programs together to better serve patients locally, nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, Baylor president, CEO and executive dean.  “I believe this agreement will benefit both institutions, with the greatest benefit to our community.”

“Baylor and THI share a vision to be the world’s leading cardiovascular center,” said Eric D. Wade, Chairman of THI’s Board of Trustees.  “Combining the talents and resources of both programs will strengthen the common goal to advance cardiovascular medicine in education, research, and the delivery of cutting-edge clinical care.”

Over the next five years, this phased consolidation will create a comprehensive cardiovascular center that includes a plan to raise additional funds to support full integration within Baylor’s academic and clinical programs. An integration team with leaders from Baylor and THI are currently meeting to establish a timeline for the process.

“We are committed to leading the national narrative in cardiovascular quality,” said Rogers. “Together, we will build on our shared history of clinical excellence and scientific impact to lead the next era in cardiovascular medicine.”

About Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine

Founded in 1962 by the world-renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley, THI has led many of the most significant advancements in cardiovascular care, including the recent first-in-human implant of a novel total artificial heart.

Baylor was founded in Dallas in 1900 and moved to Houston in 1943 to become the first institution in the Texas Medical Center.  Baylor receives research funding of more than $660 million annually.  Baylor is the largest recipient of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the Southwest and first among all medical schools in Texas.  U.S. News & World Report ranks Baylor as one of the top tier medical schools in the nation.