6 days ago
UNM outlines proposal for medical school expansion
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Officials with the University of New Mexico are proposing a major expansion for the school of medicine. The Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences Mike Richards went before state lawmakers, arguing an investment into the medical school is essential to getting more physicians in the state.
Story continues below
Education: APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting
Trending: Working group offers recommendations for AI use in schools to NM lawmakers
News: Metropolitan Detention Center reports 6th inmate death this year
Last year, the university proposed to double the size of the school of medicine, at an estimated construction cost of $600 million. They worked with the legislature to create a business plan. At that time, $30 million was appropriated for planning and design. 'The main educational building that supports our school of medicine, which is Fitz Hall, is nearing its end of life and has to be replaced so we'll have the appropriate venue to be able to expand and train health care professionals,' said Richards.
Now, officials say those plans prove proposals should continue being supported by the state, saying it would allow for expanded education programs and higher student enrollment. 'This doubling of the size of our school of medicine over the next ten years, and doubling of all the health professional programs associated with it, is clearly within our reach and needed by the state of New Mexico,' Richards said.
The expansion comes as a nearly 700,000 square foot critical care tower is just a few months away from opening this fall, offering more employment opportunities for medical professionals. 'That sets us on a trajectory where over the next ten years, as we build out that infrastructure, we'll see about a 70% increase in our in-patient care volume,' said Richards.
Richards said, while their big focus is on education new providers, the state also needs to work on recruiting and retention. 'Insuring that we have things like the compacts and that our licensure mechanisms are supportive and we create things that attract individuals to want to come and practice,' Richards said.
Officials predict the medical school expansion could result in an additional 54 physicians completing school and practicing in the state per year. The university said construction of the proposed new facility on Lomas and University would be completed by 2030.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Solve the daily Crossword
