About Us PREPARE, PROTECT, PROVIDE CARE

Mission, Vision & Values | Activities | History

   

Established in 2021, the Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness & Education Program (SPECTRE) supports clinical excellence in biocontainment care and serves as a resource for practical, real-world preparedness, response, and clinical research at UTMB.

As one of 13 federally funded Regional Emerging and Special Pathogens Treatment Centers (RESPTCs), SPECTRE plays a vital role in ensuring state and regional readiness to manage high-consequence pathogens like Ebola virus, Nipah virus, and Monkeypox virus. Our team works to strengthen local capacity and support national goals through efficient coordination with partners such as the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and the National Special Pathogen System of Care (NSPS).

 

5 state region: Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas & Louisiana
Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU) at UTMB
Training and Education
Research and Innovation
Regional Coordination
Funding Sources

Mission, Vision, Values

Mission

We treat the sick and protect the well from emerging special pathogens in our region by serving as a center for clinical excellence in biocontainment care and a trusted resource for regional preparedness, coordinated response, and clinically grounded research support. Our work strengthens healthcare system resilience and supports frontline readiness across HHS Region VI.

Vision

We aim to be the trusted resource hub for HHS Region VI, recognized for delivering rapid, effective care and empowering local health systems to respond confidently to emerging infectious threats—while ensuring the safety of our healthcare workforce and the broader community.

Core Values

  • Adaptability –We are prepared to respond to any special pathogen threat with agility and purpose, using current data and practical insights to inform timely, evidence-based decisions.
  • Ingenuity – We apply innovative, real-world solutions to meet training, education, and preparedness goals efficiently and effectively.
  • Integrity – We are committed to delivering accurate, actionable information to inform, educate, and build trust within our healthcare systems and communities.
  • Compassion – We serve with empathy and purpose, focusing on the needs of communities most at risk—especially underserved populations—and ensuring equitable access to care and information.
  • Teamwork – We draw on the expertise of a cross-functional team to create comprehensive, collaborative solutions that strengthen frontline capacity and readiness.
  • Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standards in clinical care, training, and research support, ensuring that every effort contributes to stronger healthcare systems and safer communities.

SPECTRE Activities

SPECTER Activities fall into 4 overarching categories:

Clinical Care
Equipped for high-standard care of highly dangerous pathogens.
Training & Education
Internal and external training on special pathogens.
Regional Coordination
Collaborate within HHS Region VI and nationally.
Research Infrastructure
Rapid implementation of clinical trials and biosafety research.

SPECTRE History

  • 2024

    Hosted the inaugural Symposium: Tropical & Emerging Infectious Diseases for Clinicians and Translational Scientists, focusing on advances in tropical and emerging infectious disease research and treatment.

    Launched Frontline Training program to enhance readiness and response capabilities at external healthcare facilities to assist facilities in meeting new Joint Commission standards related to high-consequence infectious diseases.

    Hosted the inaugural Regional Coordination Summit to advance collaboration, share successes, and develop strategies for advancing healthcare system readiness for HCID events within HHS Region 6.

    A professor speaking in front of a large group of people

  • 2023

    Delivered education sessions to facilities across HHS Region 6, strengthening preparedness and collaboration. 

    Established regular regional meetings to enhance collaboration, share best practices, and assess HCID preparedness across HHS Region 6 

    Introduced a comprehensive digital Resource Library, consolidating training materials for internal and external stakeholders.

  • 2022

    NETEC conducted its annual readiness consultation for UTMB’s Biocontainment Care Unit, ensuring readiness and operational excellence.

     

  • 2021

    UTMB’s Department of Biosafety provided infection control and waste handling guidance for an mpox case in Dallas, TX, at the request of the CDC. 

    UTMB Department of Biosafety advises on infection control and prevention practices and waste handling for monkeypox case in Dallas, TX at the request of CDC

  • 2020

    SPECTRE Program created to support BCU and expand activities in education, research, and networking in order to respond to increasing responsibilities according to ASPR requirements 

    UTMB’s Department of Biosafety validated and implemented an N95 filtering facepiece respirator reprocessing program, reprocessing over 15,000 respirators. 

    Biocontainment Care Unit staff created instructional videos on PPE donning and doffing for UTMB campuses and EMS personnel. 

    Conducted Just-in-Time Training for clinical staff across UTMB campuses on the use of Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) for aerosolizing procedures. 

    Established the Biorepository for Severe Emerging Infections (BSEI), collecting clinical biospecimens and detailed clinical data from research participants infected with or protected against pathogens of concern. 

    Participated in the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT), contributing to publications that supported Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for remdesivir and baricitinib for the treatment of COVID-19. 

    SPECTRE faculty led seminars and developed UTMB COVID-19 patient treatment guidelines. 

    Photo of Drs. McLellan and Levine

  • 2019

    Celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of UTMB’s six-bed state-of-the-art Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU).

     

  • 2016

    Began building UTMB’s state-of-the-art Biocontainment Care Unit to enhance regional preparedness.

     

  • 2015

    UTMB was designated as the HHS Region 6 Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center by the CDC and ASPR.

    Formed the Biocontainment Care Unit team and launched the training program for staff.

  • 2014

    Developed plans to prepare for potential Ebola virus patients, training Emergency Department staff in identification, isolation, and care procedures.

    Rehabilitated negative pressure rooms, initially designated for potential SARS patients, to care for Ebola virus disease patients.

    ED staff trained on identification, isolation, and care procedures for a patient infected with Ebola virus patient infected with Ebola virus

  • 0-The end 2

  • 0-The end