Q & A: Joint Neurosurgery Program at Baylor College of Medicine and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Is this the first time Baylor and M.D. Anderson have joined together on a program?
Baylor and M.D. Anderson have collaborated on many research and education efforts in the past, such as the programs in childhood cancer epidemiology and bone disease, but this is the first time the two institutions have combined existing programs under one leader.
What are the benefits of this partnership?
The greatest benefit will be to patients. The joint program pools together the resources and talents of two strong programs. This type of collaborative effort will enhance research efforts, with treatment advances being transferred to patients quickly.
How will the leadership of this joint program work?
Dr. Raymond Sawaya leads the program as the chair. He is employed jointly by BCM and M.D. Anderson and has offices at both institutions. As chair, he also has the responsibility of overseeing the neurosurgery clinical programs at Baylor's primary affiliated hospitals – St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Ben Taub General Hospital and the DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Sawaya will appoint the service chiefs in neurosurgery at these institutions.
Will Dr. Sawaya serve as service chief at any of the Baylor-affiliated hospitals?
Dr. Sawaya will be the service chief at St. Luke's until he recruits a service chief for the hospital.
Will the faculty have joint appointments?
The primary appointment of faculty members will be at the institution where they reside. They may have secondary appointments at the other institution. Research approvals, sponsorship and assurances will be the responsibility of the institution where the primary appointment is held.
What will be the effect on the residency program?
The residency program will continue to be sponsored by BCM and the program director will be a BCM full-time faculty member. The residency and fellowship positions will be governed by the Graduate Medical Education Office at BCM, with representation from M.D. Anderson.