Since opening in 1945, Texas Medical Center (TMC) has been pioneering patient care, research, education and prevention. Today, TMC comprises: 21 renowned hospitals, 14 support organizations, 10 academic institutions, 8 academic and research institutions, 7 nursing programmes, 3 public health organizations, 3 medical schools, 2 pharmacy schools and a dental school. TMC's mission is to assist member institutions to achieve their goals for the highest possible standards of patient care, medical and health education, and related research.