image: McGrath Outpatient Pavilion delivers increased access to nationally ranked outpatient services in a healing, modern environment.
Credit: Alex Matthews, UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health has opened the highly anticipated McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at its Hillcrest medical campus, marking a major milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of the 62-acre site. The 250,000-square-foot facility provides greater availability to high-quality, integrated care, addressing the region’s increasing demand for innovative diagnostic, treatment, surgical, and cancer care.
“We are excited to open this new space, which reflects our dedication to advancing academic medicine, enabling us to educate, research and serve our community with impact,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “It will empower the next generation of medical leaders to innovate, discover and deliver compassionate, world-class care. We are grateful to the donors and many community supporters who helped make this project possible.”
Laurie McGrath and the McGrath Family Foundation made a transformative $25 million gift to name the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion, establishing a cornerstone for advanced outpatient care. Price Philanthropies and the Price family contributed a generous $10 million gift to establish the Barbara Parker, MD, Breast Center and name the Price Philanthropies Foundation Plaza. Support from Carol and Jeff Chang, Irwin and the late Joan Jacobs, and the Health Sciences Board of Advisors was foundational in naming the Steven R. Garfin, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic.
Together, these philanthropic leaders have empowered the delivery of innovative, patient-centered health care. Their belief and support in the mission of UC San Diego Health are testaments to the power of community and the enduring impact of generosity.
“My motivation to give to UC San Diego Health stemmed from more than its advanced diagnostics and treatments — I was profoundly moved by the doctors and caregivers and the overall experience of care. They guided my family through illness with kindness, professionalism, and compassion,” said Laurie McGrath, president of the McGrath Family Foundation. “I wanted others in the community to have access to this same top care. It was gratifying to make a gift that is helping the health system expand and bring safe, reliable, and high-quality health services to Hillcrest — an area of San Diego in growing need of this special care.”
Intended to support seamless, patient-centered care, the location includes ambulatory surgery suites, sophisticated operating rooms, and state-of-the-art imaging technologies. This project lays the foundation for UC San Diego Health’s vision to make advanced health care and medical education more accessible.
The pavilion brings together a broad range of nationally ranked clinical programs, including a multi-specialty cancer clinic, a comprehensive breast center, an infusion clinic with views of the cityscape, and advanced radiation therapy, including brachytherapy — a highly targeted internal treatment for certain cancers. It also houses key specialty services such as colorectal and digestive disease care, neurology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, urology, plastic surgery, burn and trauma surgery, a vascular clinic, orthopedics, endoscopy, and perinatology.
The development also includes expanded space for Moores Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.
“This is our first significant investment aimed at dramatically increasing access to our world-class cancer services,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “McGrath is a new model of excellence, bringing together integrated, multidisciplinary care, leading-edge clinical trials, and exceptional cancer treatment — all under one roof — to deliver the highest standards of care available today.”
The outpatient pavilion continues the health system’s role as a center for specialized care, supporting critical services, such as the Level 1 Trauma Center, Regional Burn Center, and Comprehensive Stroke Center. It expands care options for patients across San Diego County, particularly in the southern and central areas.
It was designed to foster a walkable, cohesive health care environment. As patients and guests enter the building, they are greeted by original artwork commissioned from San Diego artists. The carefully curated art pieces throughout the building reflect the beauty, spirit, and creativity of the community, strengthening UC San Diego Health’s commitment to restorative spaces and connection with local partnerships.
For added convenience and a modernization experience, the first floor features a storefront with cashier-less technology, offering automated grab-and-go snacks, beverages, and light refreshments. Purchases can easily be made using a mobile wallet or credit card at the entry gate.
The building is part of the first phase of the Hillcrest Medical Campus Redevelopment Project, which includes a new 1,850-space parking structure for staff and visitors, with an underground connection to the lower level of the pavilion. As part of broader infrastructure improvements, roads connecting Mission Valley and Hillcrest have been widened and upgraded to enhance access for vehicles, public transit, and cyclists. Additionally, a new central utility plant was constructed to support future phases of development.
“This redevelopment project represents years of planning, collaboration, and vision brought to life,” said Lisa Rhodes, chief administrative officer of health campus development at UC San Diego Health. “The new addition sets a fresh standard for what a modern outpatient facility can be, incorporating sustainable purpose, operational excellence, and future-ready infrastructure to support the next generation of health care.”
The pavilion also features intentional respite areas for doctors and staff, providing uplifting spaces that promote wellness, reflection, and connection for caregivers who deliver compassionate care every day.
Future phases of the revitalization project will include workforce housing, retail services, and large greenspaces, creating a welcoming destination for all. With the expansion, UC San Diego Health continues to grow its comprehensive services in a leading-edge environment, advancing research, education, and care delivery for the future of San Diego.
UC San Diego Health, the region’s only academic health system, is dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care through commitment to community, groundbreaking research and inspired teaching. Our specialty care for serious and complex conditions is consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report and other organizations. The 1,101-bed academic health system includes Hillcrest Medical Center, Jacobs Medical Center, East Campus Medical Center, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Moores Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion, and Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, as well as primary care and same day services at clinics throughout Southern California.
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