Montemorelos University (UM) leaders officially signed an agreement with the TecSalud Network, a collaboration led by the TecSalud Foundation of the Monterrey Institute of Technology (Tecnológico de Monterrey), during a brief ceremony held in Montemorelos, on November 11, 2024.

The partnership marks a significant step toward integrating academic and clinical excellence, with the aim of strengthening UM’s hospital, Hospital La Carlota (HLC), university officials said.

“With the creation of UM Salud, [UM Health] we intend to integrate the academic and clinical fields more intentionally,” said Roel Cea, M.D., director of Health Promoting Universities in Mexico at UM, as he emphasized the importance of the collaboration. The agreement will help transform La Carlota Hospital into a private academic medical center, “aligning with our vision for a wholistic health model,” he added.

The understanding not only boosts the university’s potential in training human resources and research but also allows for the development of a more robust healthcare model aligned with excellence standards.

Dr. Jorge Azpiri, director of Development and Expansion at TecSalud, highlighted the rarity of such partnerships in Mexico, saying, “Few hospitals in Mexico integrate a university and conduct research. TecSalud and Montemorelos University with La Carlota Hospital are standout examples of this model.”

By joining the TecSalud Network, Montemorelos University will benefit from collaborative work sessions designed to enhance medical training, research, and best practices. Dr. Cea noted that these sessions will help both institutions improve healthcare standards and operational efficiency.

According to its website, TecSalud’s approach focuses on four key pillars: quality patient care, medical training and research, operational efficiency, and growth in the healthcare sector. The network has a proven track record with renowned institutions like Zambrano Hellion and San José hospitals, which are recognized for their high standards in private healthcare in Mexico.

Dr. Azpiri explained that the partnership would also help Montemorelos University and La Carlota Hospital optimize financial and administrative processes, leading to better negotiations with suppliers and more affordable medical services.

The agreement provides practical benefits for the university and hospital, including improved negotiations with insurance companies and businesses, which will help improve financial sustainability and make healthcare more accessible for the local community, Dr. Azpiri said.

The new collaboration is not just about improving academic and clinical practices, said Cea, but also about enhancing the impact of their healthcare model. “This opportunity allows us to combine our knowledge with leading institutions, always with a focus on the community,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure our healthcare model is effective, accessible, and collaborative, reinforcing our commitment to wholistic health and community well-being.”

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division website.