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New Upstate Medical University academic building paves way for health care expansion

Upstate Medical University Hospital

Students at Upstate Medical University’s College of Nursing and other health profession programs have a new home in a brand new state-of-the-art building in Syracuse.

The $40.5 million, five-story academic building is tucked behind Weiskotten Hall and Silverman Hall just off South Crouse Avenue. Interim Nursing School Dean Don Simpson says it will offer opportunities for programs to grow in an already burgeoning field.

"There are two things that are really driving expansion in terms of need for health care with regard to what I call the silver tsunami, which is the retirement age. Baby boomers are aging and retiring and needing more services, and with pent up demand from the Affordable Care Act we’re beginning to see the need for additional testing, additional health care," Simpson said.

The 80,000-square-foot structure brings together Upstate College of Nursing and other selected programs, such as physical therapy, physician’s assistant and radiation therapy. Simpson says putting students together during training is what sets this school apart from other nursing schools.

“The learners are not just in nursing with nursing students; the learners are not just in radiation therapy with radiation therapy students. They are in classrooms, and space, and experiences which puts the health care team together on the front end, rather than once they graduate,” Simpson said.

Huge floor to ceiling windows on the top floor offer stunning panoramic views to the west. But Simpson says it’s more than just the view that’s important.

“The best part of it — if we look over into Pioneer homes for instance — that’s our classroom. So taking it from here into the community, the visibility, and the access to get into the community, and getting the community in here, that’s the value added piece,” Simpson said.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.