The University of New Mexico has an ambitious plan to double the number of health care professionals it graduates over the next decade.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Facing one of the most severe health care provider shortages in the country, the University of New Mexico has an ambitious plan to double the number of health care professionals it graduates over the next decade.
The initiative comes as 32 of New Mexico’s 33 counties are classified as “Health Professional Shortage Areas,” according to a recent report by the Cicero Institute. Only Los Alamos County is not considered underserved.
The state’s physician-to-patient ratio is 16% worse than the national average, and projections estimate that New Mexico will need an additional 2,118 doctors by 2030.
“The one thing I heard repeatedly is we need access to care no matter where you are,” said Dr. Patricia Finn, dean of the UNM School of Medicine.
UNM’s strategy includes enrolling more medical and health care students. But school officials say that can’t happen without a new facility. Fitz Hall, the current home of the School of Medicine, was built in the 1960s and suffers from structural issues, overcrowded labs, and outdated technology.
“It does not have all of the technologies that we need,” Finn said. “The need is enormous. And the ability to do powerful, impactful things for the state of New Mexico is right here, right now.”
The university envisions a new, state-of-the-art medical school facility to be constructed at the corner of University and Lomas. The estimated price tag for the project is $600 million.
During this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers approved $30 million for planning and design. UNM anticipates breaking ground in 2027, with the first classes held in 2030 and the inaugural graduating class emerging in 2034.
UNM said funding for the project will likely come from a mix of state appropriations, private donations, and university resources.
“We can do it,” said Finn. “We have the opportunity to be the go-to place.”
