The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance is a bridge between two dynamic academic medical centers each of whom brings rich histories and strengths to this unique collaboration.  The Alliance is established as a means for both institutions to grow stronger, more diverse and increase capacity in fulfilling each institution’s own mission.  The Alliance supports and facilitates joint programs in research, in teaching, in clinical care and community service with a special focus on promoting diversity within each institution, and reducing health disparities through research, education and more effective patient care.