Fort Worth needs a plan to advance itself as a medical hub of innovation. Dr. Stuart D. Flynn, founding dean of the TCU School of Medicine, and Dr. Kirk Calhoun, president of UNT Health Fort Worth, agree that collaboration is key. Unlike traditional competitors, they view each other as partners to build “lanes of excellence.” The goal is to create a hub that brings together industry, government, and citizens to drive innovation.
UNT Health conducts $110 million in medical research annually, with a target of $200 million by 2027. However, establishing a successful partnership between D.O. and M.D. schools can be challenging due to cultural differences. Flynn and Calhoun emphasize the importance of collaboration over competition, citing TechFW as a potential roadmap for unity.
Fort Worth-based Eosera CEO Elyse Stolz Dickerson notes that funding is crucial to support startups, which often need time to grow before moving to cities with more collaborative efforts. Other leaders, such as JPS Health Network’s Tricia C. Elliott, emphasize the importance of translating research into practical applications for patient care.
With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Fort Worth can establish itself as a significant medical hub in the next 20-30 years. It’s an opportunity to develop a unique identity and benefit the nation through improved quality, cost control, and access to healthcare.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/02/leaders-call-for-unified-plan-to-build-fort-worths-medical-innovation-hub