(L-R) Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D.; Elizabeth Harman, Ph.D., vice chancellor and president of Victoria University; Maurice Eisenbruch, M.D., foundation director-elect of the Institute for Health and Diversity at Victoria University
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The Health Science Center recently welcomed health professionals from Australia to discuss possible collaborative efforts between the Health Science Center and Australia’s Victoria University in Melbourne.

Elizabeth Harman, Ph.D., vice chancellor and president of Victoria University, and Maurice Eisenbruch, M.D., foundation director-elect of the Institute for Health and Diversity at Victoria University, met with Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., to seek opportunities for collaborations in cultural competence. Martha Medrano, M.D., director of the Medical Hispanic Center of Excellence, played a significant role in introducing the guests to the Health Science Center’s programs.

“Melbourne is one of the world’s most diverse cities,” Dr. Eisenbruch said. “What brought us to San Antonio was our interest in cultural competence and diabetes, and we know the Health Science Center has strong programs in both areas.”

The one-day visit allowed the guests to meet with several individuals representing a variety of areas at the Health Science Center, including a discussion with Terry de la Haya, vice president of the Texas Diabetes Institute; and Donald Dudley, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health.

Their final meeting with Dr. Cigarroa and Dr. Medrano allowed further discussion about collaborations between the two universities. The Health Science Center and Victoria University agreed to common interests in the arena of cultural and linguistic competence, and diversity – significant areas at both institutions.