Congressman Mac Thornberry tours TTUHSC to examine school's growth

Congressman Mac Thornberry visited the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to see both their current and upcoming projects on Tuesday.

Growth and expansion are two things TTUHSC is seeing a lot of right now.

"The goal is to bring people along with the progress we made on designing and developing a vet school here in Amarillo," TTUHSC Chancellor Robert Duncan said.

"There are a lot of research projects important for the federal government to healthcare programs. Texas Tech has a number of research programs related to defense," Congressman Mac Thornberry said.

One of the university's projects includes a new simulation room that will go from being 5000 square feet to 20,000 square feet.

TTUHSC's president, Tedd Mitchell, said it would benefit both students and medical professionals.

"This is a facility that not only educational systems are using, but it's also used for continuing education. It's also for physicians and nurses over at Northwest Texas Hospital and BSA," Mitchell said.

The chancellor and president of the university also discussed the progress the future veterinarian school.

They said ,currently, there is a shortage in veterinary physicians in the area.

Both the chancellor and president also said they plan on using a distributive model for the new school.

"You use local vet medical services available. You work with them and have them become part of your faculty," Mitchell said.

Congressman Thornberry said the upcoming projects and interest in animal healthcare is crucial, and this growth can also help with bringing students to the city.

"I only see more opportunities for Tech. Research included, but also bringing those trained professionals in the healthcare sector," Congressman Thornberry said.