The funds will help with start-up costs, including curriculum development and hiring faculty and staff.

The Texas Legislature has approved $20 million in state funds for the University of Houston’s upcoming College of Medicine to help with start-up costs, including hiring faculty and staff and curriculum development.

The medical school is scheduled to open in Fall 2020, pending accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. UH submitted its initial application for the accreditation in March.

Dr. Stephen Spann, founding dean of the College of Medicine, has said the curriculum will focus on addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in under-served urban and rural communities. Texas ranks 47th in the U.S. in primary care physician-to-population ratio.

Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill formally recognizing the UH College of Medicine in the state Education Code. The formal recognition authorizes public university systems in Texas to approve curricula and operational protocols for medical schools. It also makes them eligible for related state funding.

UH plans to ask state lawmakers for an additional $20 million over the next four legislative sessions, according to a university spokesman.

Last year, UH finalized an agreement with HCA Houston Healthcare to create nearly 400 residency slots over the next seven years.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved UH's medical doctor degree last fall.

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