Breanna Reeves
The University of Riverside, California (UCR) announced plans to expand the School of Medicine with the intent of adding 21 acres of space for a medical center complex which will include an outpatient center.
During a June 3 event announcing the expansion, UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox shared that the “longer-term hope” is the creation of a teaching hospital, similar to UCR’s sister campuses that have robust medical centers. The target site is in Riverside at the intersection of Valley Springs Parkway and Gateway Drive.
“We have developed a potential plan to build a clinically integrated network that brings together UCR Health providers and key community partners,” stated chief executive officer for UCR Health Tim Collins. UCR Health is the healthcare provider component of the School of Medicine.
“This network is designed to bridge gaps in care and ensure patients have access to comprehensive, high-quality services close to home,” Collins continued. “By aligning with like-minded organizations and providers including neighboring UC Health affiliates — UCSD Health, UCI Health, and UCLA Health — we can offer a broader spectrum of care, improve coordination, and expand our clinical footprint across the region.”
According to the California Health Care Foundation, a region as large as the Inland Empire, with a population of more than 4.6 million, should have an estimated 60 to 80 physicians per 100,000 residents. As of now, the region has about 40 primary care physicians per 100,000 people.
UCR School of Medicine initially launched in 1974 with a partnership with UCLA. UCR opened its own medical school in 2013, graduating its first class in 2017.
In fall 2023, the School of Medicine finished its largest expansion by opening a 95,476-square-foot education building which is now able to accommodate 125 medical students, up from 80 students.
“The University of California is working to increase the reach of our exceptional medical providers and improve health care for more people across our state,” stated UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “This expansion at UC Riverside will help broaden the clinical footprint at UCR and establish a regional health sciences campus that serves as a hub for innovation, making world class care more accessible to Inland Empire communities.”
According to Collins, expanding the School of Medicine will improve access to primary and specialty care and prepare medical students for residencies in a UCR Health facility, as well as income to support growth.