Parkland Health plays a critical role in serving the diverse communities of Dallas County, particularly Hispanic, Latino, and rural populations, by providing high-quality, accessible healthcare and expanding opportunities for participation in innovative clinical trials. As one of the largest public hospital systems in the country, Parkland is home to a state-of-the-art, 983-bed facility that includes a nationally recognized Level I Trauma Center, a distinguished Burn Center, and the region’s largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In addition to its hospital services, Parkland operates more than 30 community-based clinics and numerous outreach programs, ensuring that care extends beyond its main campus and into the communities that need it most.
Parkland’s longstanding collaboration with UT Southwestern Medical Center enhances its ability to deliver cutting-edge medical treatments and train the next generation of physicians. As UT Southwestern’s primary teaching hospital, Parkland benefits from the expertise of faculty members who provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options while also conducting groundbreaking clinical research. This partnership strengthens Parkland’s commitment to health equity by fostering innovative approaches to care and expanding access to clinical trials that address the unique needs of its patient population.
Parkland is UT Southwest’s primary teaching hospital and one of the largest safety net hospitals in the US.

Parkland Memorial Hospital
5200 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75390

Co-PI: Kavita Bhavan, MD, MHS
Chief Innovation Officer, Parkland Health; Adjunct Professor at the UT Southwestern School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor at the Peter J. O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health

Co-PI: Heather Kitzman, PhD
Associate Professor and Director, Community Health and Research Engagement, UT Southwestern Medical Center

Instructor, Office of Community Health and Research Engagement (OCHRE), Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center
214-648-1345
meera.patel@UTSouthwestern.edu
| Years of experience | TBC |
| Phases of trials conducted | I, II, III, IV |
| Number of trials conducted in past 2 years | 21-50 industry-sponsored trials |
| Current rate of underrepresented participants in clinical research | Above 90% |
| Average retention rates | Above 90% |