Officials at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical College are taking a look at the alliance between the two institutions to better plan for its future.

Formed in 1999, the Vanderbilt-Meharry Alliance is designed to enhance the educational, scientific and clinical programs between two institutions and assist with collaborative medical education efforts. According to The Reporter, the Alliance will now focus on research in public health, community health, health services research and health policy. "This transition to a primarily research-focused program will place greater emphasis on funding research initiatives and community engagement," said Clifton Meador, executive director of the Alliance. In addition, Meador will step down as director of the Alliance in 2012. A national search for his replacement is underway.