A Winning Partnership:
Humana Revolutionizing Health Care at UH

The Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute at the University of Houston was established to enhance the quality of health care and health outcomes through interprofessional health education, groundbreaking research and active community involvement. The University is deeply grateful to Humana for its unwavering dedication to our shared vision of transforming health care through innovation and collaboration.

The institute facilitates interprofessional collaboration across the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy and Social Work. This approach enables health care students to develop expertise in improving community health, particularly by serving medically underserved populations.

Omolola E. Adepoju, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute, applauds Humana for its active role in transforming community health care. “We credit Humana for raising the bar in interprofessional education and supporting community engagement efforts,” Adepoju said. “Their dedication is paving the way for a healthier and more informed population.”

Over the past three years, the institute has hosted an annual Summer Health Research Program (SHERP), bringing together students from interprofessional backgrounds to develop creative solutions for pressing health care challenges. During the first three weeks of the program, interprofessional student teams participate in Data-thon sessions, engaging in data immersion exercises under faculty guidance. These sessions help students explore different variables, patterns and correlations within data, leading to a deeper understanding of population health issues. In the second part of the program, dubbed “Shark Tank,” students work collaboratively to develop and pitch innovative solutions to a panel of expert ‘sharks’ who provide feedback and financial support to help advance their ideas.

Since its launch in 2021, the Humana Institute’s SHERP has enabled more than 125 students to become the next generation of health care leaders and changemakers.

Of these students:

• 70% collaborated outside their discipline for the first time
• More than 60% presented their work at regional or national conferences
• More than 40% transformed their projects into peer-reviewed journal publications
• 44% started a medical degree
• 26% launched careers in the health care industry
• 30% started pursuing graduate education degrees in STEM fields

Humana emphasizes education to help improve the health care system. One such program is the Value-Based Care Certificate Program, a publicly available online training platform jointly developed by UH faculty and Humana leaders, that prepares clinicians and administrators for value-oriented care reimbursement and operating models. More than 25,000 learners have enrolled in the program, with an average rating of 4.7/5.

Additionally, the Humana Institute has supported clinical placements to train tomorrow’s heath care workforce. Expanding on existing College of Pharmacy rotations and residencies, the institute has helped establish affiliation agreements between CenterWell Senior Primary Care and the Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing and the Graduate College of Social Work to help students experience value-based care training.

The institute’s work with local community residents, particularly in the Third Ward, East End and Northwest Houston, is among its most rewarding endeavors. These engagement efforts go beyond traditional research and academic pursuits, fostering deep, trust-based relationships with historically underserved populations. Through active collaboration, the institute not only gathers valuable insights into the lived experiences of residents but also ensures that community voices are centered in the development of health initiatives, policies and interventions. 

In the Third Ward, a historically Black neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage but persistent health disparities, the institute partners with local organizations to address pressing issues such as chronic disease management, food insecurity and access to primary care. Community health workers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between residents and health care resources, empowering individuals with knowledge and support tailored to their specific needs.

In the East End, home to a large Latino population, efforts focus on language-accessible health education, preventive screenings and culturally relevant outreach programs. By collaborating with local clinics, schools and advocacy groups, the institute helps design interventions that respect and integrate cultural traditions, ultimately improving health outcomes.

In Northwest Houston, the institute engages with faith-based organizations and public health agencies to develop initiatives that enhance health care access, promote mental health awareness and strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.

Collaboration with community groups has helped identify health priorities and establish an infrastructure to address food insecurity, social isolation and access to healthy food in the Third Ward. During monthly health lectures hosted by Humana and CenterWell for older adults, UH students are invited to attend the events and visit with participants. This project assists older adults, Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and other vulnerable populations by providing them with vital health education, social support and connections to essential community resources. Through these monthly gatherings, participants not only gain insights into chronic disease management, nutrition and preventive care but also experience meaningful social interactions that help combat isolation.

Kathy Driscoll, Humana senior vice president and chief nursing officer, said Humana’s partnership with UH increases compassionate, patient-centered health care throughout the community. “Our partnership with the University of Houston reflects our dedication to providing accessible, quality health care. By leveraging our combined resources and expertise, we are working towards better health outcomes for our communities.”