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.
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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. 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.
Officials predict the medical school expansion could result in an additional 54 physicians completing school and practicing in the state per year. The university says construction of the proposed new facility on Lomas and Wyoming would be completed by 2030.
