Published by: Bruce Siegel on 7/29/2011 2:02:01 PM
The people of El Paso, Texas, have gained a gem.
University Medical Center is on a transformational journey that will yield something not yet seen in West Texas: The birth of a world-class center for healing, research and excellence. Building on the foundation of the former Thomason General Hospital, University Medical Center is undergoing an ambitious plan to create a new integrated academic center with medical and nursing schools, a revamped medical center and a beautiful and welcoming El Paso Children’s Hospital. Situated in the Medical Center of the America’s, University Medical Center (UMC) will bring a level of medical excellence and economic power to this critical urban hub.
But UMC‘s moves are about more than bricks and mortar. It means national leaders are now coming to UMC to lead programs in surgery, medicine, pediatrics and other fields. Doctors being trained at UMC and its affiliates will help solve an acute shortage of physicians for many miles around. Change also means new amenities for the city like parks and a shot in the arm for the local economic base. The impact on the community’s perceptions has been simply stunning. Under the leadership of James Valenti, UMC has gone from last to first in community perception in the El Paso market. This is why Larry Gage presented the NAPH President’s Award to UMC just last month.
UMC’s progress is a win-win for the taxpayers of the local hospital district. Growth has gone hand-in-hand with positive earnings, upgrades from the rating agencies and the knowledge that local dollars are being well spent. UMC faces challenges like many of our members, especially as Texas ratchets down Medicaid payments. But UMC is building for the long-term with a vision of excellence to match.
Me with University Medical Center of El Paso CEO Jim Valenti in a room at the new children's hospital currently under construction at UMC.