The Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Foundation is committed to expanding access to industry-sponsored clinical trials across Texas and New Mexico. Our mission to foster a a globally competitive clinical research hub to advance global healthcare innovations while also improving regional health equity. We are also committed to expanding access to biomedical STEM opportunities, helping individuals enter, reskill and upskill to compete in the global bioeconomy.
A clinical trial is a research study involving human participants aimed at answering specific questions about new drug therapies, devices, vaccines, or diagnostics. These trials are conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of new treatments and are a critical step required by the FDA before a medical product can be approved for commercial use.
The medical industry is poised to bridge the gap between healthcare delivery and innovative side, enabling clinical research to be presented as a care option during routine patient visits. Competitive clinical trial hubs will effectively enhance participant access to trials and support healthcare sites in integrating clinical research into the continuum of care.
Bringing a new drug or device to market can be slow, costly, and inefficient. To address this, the industry is exploring solutions such as digital health, decentralized clinical trials, AI, machine learning, public/private partnerships, patient-centric approaches, and data sharing platforms—to support more efficient, cost-effective and harmonized drug and device development processes through clinical research.
Improve trial access, diverse representation in clinical trials, and community-wide access to life-saving, cutting-edge therapies and diagnostics for improvedhealthcare outcomes.
Advance innovations and technology to improve community wide trial awareness, engagement, and enrollment.
Cultivate world-class research talent, high-quality trial sites, and centers of excellence.
Reduce healthcare disparities among Latino and Native American populations.
The target geographic scope we aim to develop includes areas encompassing The Rio Grande Corridor (RGC). Stretching along the border with Mexico, the RGC begins from the river’s headwaters in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, traverses through New Mexico and Texas, and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Our current programming largely targets the Borderplex region which is made up of El Paso, Texas, Juarez, Mexico, and Southern New Mexico – a metroplex with a unique and desirable demographic for medical research. The combination of high population density and prevalent blend of Latino, Native American, and Anglo-American populations, and a growing healthcare market makes the Borderplex an appealing hub for expanded clinical research opportunities.
© 2025 Medical Center of the Americas Foundation – Cardwell Collaborative