The University of Montana has convened its first meeting of health care leaders from across the state to focus on clinical and translational research aimed at strengthening Montana’s health care workforce, expanding expertise, and improving infrastructure.
Organized by the Montana Clinical and Translational Research Center (MCTRC), which operates within UM’s School of Public and Community Health Sciences, the gathering brought together representatives from several organizations. These included Billings Clinic, Logan Health, Providence, Shodair Children’s Hospital, Missoula Public Health, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The meeting took place in July.
Tony Ward, director of MCTRC and a professor at UM, highlighted the importance of collaboration among institutions: “Whether launching a pediatric genomics program, piloting patient engagement strategies or navigating regulatory hurdles, each partner emphasizes the value of cross-institutional learning and the need for shared infrastructure and support,” Ward said. “Through our center, UM can help health care systems and organizations with everything from data management to research coordinator training.”
Each organization shared updates on how research is evolving within their respective institutions. Ward noted that participants recognize a shared responsibility to improve partnerships statewide so that public health entities can work together effectively.
“It is hard to get hospitals, public health departments and university researchers together in one room to identify real solutions to Montana’s health care challenges,” Ward said. “We are at the start of something that will be very important to our state.”
Ward stated that his vision for MCTRC is rooted in supporting translational research tailored to Montana’s specific needs. He expects this partnership will expand over time and plans another meeting with state health care leaders in 2026.
“The MCTRC Annual Meeting made clear that we’re stronger when we align across roles and regions – and that Montana is ready to lead with partnership at the core,” Ward said.
Entities interested in joining a statewide Practice-Based Research Network can contact Tony Ward for more information about participating in this collaborative initiative.
