Institute for Health Disparities (IHD) was founded at UNTHSC to advance career paths in biomedical sciences and health professions that reflect the diverse constituency we serve. The rapid growth and accumulation of specialized knowledge in today’s biomedical fields, combined with entrenched and emerging health issues that persist among certain groups within the US population, emphasizes the significant need to diversify the nation’s biomedical science workforce. The under-representation of minorities in science results in inadequate scientific input from divergent social or cultural perspectives and detracts from our nation’s ability to resolve health disparities.