Welcome to the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine in the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso). Our faculty scientists seek to understand the fundamental underpinnings of diseases that impact our community and region of El Paso, and to translate the newest research findings into preventive measures and the most effective treatments.

Over 81 percent of El Pasoans are Mexican-American, and along with others of Latino background, comprise the fastest growing minority group in the country. This broad demographic is the least understood and potentially the most at-risk regarding susceptibility to major diseases, such as diabetes, breast and colon cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders, providing a practical focal point for our scientific endeavors. To achieve these ambitious goals, research in biomedical sciences is organized into four programmatic Centers of Emphasis: cancer, infectious diseases, neurosciences, and diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Our scientific programs are complemented by substantial core facilities, and by a distinctive biostatistics and epidemiology unit that provides expertise in cutting-edge bioinformatics and data analysis. Our faculty is also instrumental in training the next generation of biomedical research scientists through the TTUHSC El Paso L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

As you browse through our website, you will see how we in the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine at TTUHSC El Paso are engaged in studying key biomedical research problems through a distinctive demographic lens, and learn how focusing on the underpinnings of disease in a specific population can have a major positive impact on the health and well-being of our nation as a whole.