Partners in Teaching and Excellence

The miracle of life elicits an even greater sense of awe when seen through the eyes of the physicians and researchers whose work puts them at the forefront of medicine. A great part of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s vision for the future revolves around supporting programs that deliver the latest advances and clinical excellence to the community.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The cornerstone for this commitment is Methodist Le Bonheur’s relationship with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. UT is a tremendous asset to the region for not only the medical school but also for the colleges of nursing, pharmacy and allied health. Since the affiliation was formalized between Methodist University Hospital and UT in 2003, the two institutions have seen benefits both academically and in quality of care. One only has to see the increased number of residents currently working at both Methodist University Hospital and Le Bonheur to understand that this pays benefits for the community.

A prime example of this is the neurosurgery residency program. Operated in conjunction with the Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute, this is a highly competitive program. Only two out of 150 applicants are accepted each year. This makes the best and brightest young neurosurgeons available to our patients around the clock. When a problem arises, there is always a skilled resident physician in-house. The teaching relationship also delivers to the hospital the latest skills, knowledge and techniques to the patient care equation. The International Neuro-Oncology Update, one substantial element in a dynamic partnership among Methodist, Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Carlo Besta Neurological Institute in Milan, Italy, is a revolutionary educational event designed for physicians and nurses from around the world to learn from one another and impact the way we care for patients, today and tomorrow.

Memphis Bioworks Foundation
Another broader initiative with far-reaching ramifications for the future of the healthcare industry in this region is the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. With a goal of providing support and structure to developing bioscience-related businesses, the foundation is looking to prepare the local market to compete globally and reap the benefits in this burgeoning field. Recognizing the long-term value in this for the community and for UT, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has provided $500,000 in funding over five years to help launch this initiative.

University of Memphis
On the administrative side, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has also partnered with the University of Memphis. Recognizing the dynamic growth of that institution, Methodist Le Bonheur has become engaged through progressive programs like the Maurice Elliott Leadership Institute, the Center for Health Care Economics and the Center for Health Care Technology.