TTUHSC El Paso Launches Groundbreaking Biomedical Ph.D. Program

 Written by WreckEmInsider




Written by WreckEmInsider

EL PASO, TEXAS (by Natalie Venegas, updated August 14, 2025) — In a landmark development for the Borderplex region, Texas Tech Health El Paso has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer its first-ever Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences, a transformational milestone for research and graduate education in Far West Texas.

The program, set to begin in 2026, will be the only doctoral-level biomedical sciences track in the Southwestern border region. Under the leadership of Dr. Lakshmanaswamy, the inaugural cohort is expected to begin with five to six students, with plans to expand to 30–35 students within five years.

Curriculum Designed for Regional Impact

Crafted to serve the unique needs of the Borderplex, this Ph.D. program emphasizes research on rural access to care, and chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and neurological diseases—all health challenges disproportionately affecting local communities 

It will also strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across Texas Tech Health El Paso’s medical, nursing, and dental schools, fostering robust mentoring and cooperative research 

A Legacy of Support and Vision

This initiative was made possible by a $10 million donation from the Francis family in 2022, which enhanced the Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and endowed leadership positions across the institution’s key schools.

Rick Francis reflected, “The THECB’s approval turns that dream into reality and sets the stage for groundbreaking research that directly benefits the families who live and work in our community.” 

The program is expected to become a growth catalyst for the region—drawing in research funding, top-tier faculty and students, and expanding opportunities in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and public health, enhancing an already substantial economic impact nearing $900 million annually .

Why This Matters to Texas Tech and the Borderplex

  1. Strategic Expansion of Research
    This new Ph.D. program elevates Texas Tech Health El Paso into a regional leader in advanced biomedical research—filling a significant gap in doctoral education along the U.S.–Mexico border.

  2. Localized Solutions for Local Challenges
    With a curriculum rooted in regional health realities, the program equips a new generation of researchers to directly address disparities in the Borderplex.

  3. Economic and Academic Ripple Effects
    Beyond research, this program enhances El Paso’s innovation ecosystem—opening doors for economic development, healthcare innovation, and academic excellence.

Summary at a Glance

AspectDetails
Program LaunchPh.D. in Biomedical Sciences, starting Fall 2026
LocationTTUHSC El Paso—the first such program in Far West Texas / Southwestern border
Lead & Scale-UpDr. Lakshmanaswamy; cohort starting with ~5–6, growing to ~30–35 in 5 years
Focus AreasRural access, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, interdisciplinary research
Major Funding$10M gift from the Francis family (2022)
Broader ImpactBoosts research funding, faculty/student recruitment, biotech and public health development

Sources: https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/texas-tech-health-el-paso-launches-first-phd-program-in-biomedical-sciences


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