10 Years of Momentum Impact and Economic Growth
Maximizing Washington’s Investment in Regional Health
Ten years ago, the UW and GU entered into a strategic public-private partnership with a clear mandate: to help solve the region’s health care access crisis. With strong support from the state Legislature, the partnership has flourished -meeting initial goals and exceeding projections to serve as a model for how academic collaboration can drive state-level economic and clinical outcomes.
Expanding the Frontline Workforce
The partnership is directly addressing the provider shortage by training the next generation of clinicians in the communities where they are needed most. This collaboration has sparked growth in a suite of health care professional programs that provide a seamless pathway from undergraduate science to clinical practice.
• Physician Pipeline for Eastern Washington: Each year, UWSOM trains a 60-student cohort in Spokane. Ranked #1 in Primary Care and Rural Health, world-class excellence translates to results: Nearly 50% of graduates pursue primary care, the highest need specialty for rural families.
• Washington’s Only CRNA Pipeline: Gonzaga School of Health Science Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) prepares certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to serve the rural health care system with specialists for operating rooms and maternity units.
• Proven Retention: The Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program doubled its capacity in 2025, boasts an 81 percent return rate, with graduates practicing in Washington’s rural and underserved areas.
• Leadership-Ready Clinicians: Through GU, physicianleaders and advanced practice-leaders learn to manage complex delivery systems, producing innovators who lead and improve system efficiency.
“The UW–GU Health Partnership shows what’s possible when we build together: educating professionals; growing a world-class facility; and strengthening care, community, and our regional economy for generations.”
Juliet Sinisterra, CEO Spokane University District
A SUSTAINABLE TALENT PIPELINE
SPOKANE STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Practitioners (MSN, DNP)
• Family Practice
• Psych mental health
• Nursing Leadership Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetists (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice)
Registered Nurses (BSN)
Bachelors in Human Physiology**
* Program matriculation pause; will reopen in 26-27 application cycle
** Students in these Gonzaga programs now study alongside UW medical students and/or learn from professors who are dual-appointed in the Gonzaga School of Health Sciences and UW
Community Support
A 2025 survey by Strategic Research Associates found that 95% of Spokane area citizens aware of the partnership and support its value to the community.
“The Health Partnership contributes so much to the city and the county — not only the amazing medical care, but the students and the economic impact as well. Spokane is better and blessed for UW and GU being here and working together.”
Betsy Wilkerson, President Spokane City Council
The Economic Multiplier: ROI for Eastern Washington
The UW-GU Health Partnership is a primary engine for regional economic vitality. 2025 data confirms a significant return on public investment:
METRIC
Total UW Economic Output (Eastern Washington)
Annual UW Regional Impact
ECONOMIC IMPACT
$18.6 Million
$81.4 Million
Fiscal Note: The Partnership is on track to meet or exceed the 20-year, $1.628 billion economic impact projection for the UW School of Medicine, representing a robust taxpayer return.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst
The shared health education and research facility serves as a regional innovation hub, driving efficiency and expansion.
• Strategic Growth: A new high-tech nursing simulation and training center to house the expanded DNAP cohorts directly addresses the critical shortage of anesthesia and specialized care providers.
• Operational Efficiency: Co-locating UW’s medical research with GU’s health sciences reduces overhead and accelerates the transition from lab to bedside.
• Collaborative Impact: This shared footprint fosters highimpact synergies, such as GU’s Center for Health Impact, focused on interdisciplinary research and regional wellness.
2016 - 2026: 10 Years Stronger Together
2016 Health Partnership established; UWSOM expands from 40 to 60 medical students on GU’s campus
2018 GU students work with UW biomedical researchers
2022 Health Partnership Bldg. opens, 840 Spokane Falls Blvd.
2025 Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) expands, locates in Health Partnership building
2026 GU/Providence grows Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and health simulation facilities
“Today’s challenging environments call for innovative solutions, and that’s exactly what the UW-GU Health Partnership is delivering, not only for the students who wish to be health care leaders but also for the communities they will serve.”
Katia Passerini, President Gonzaga University
Vision 2036: Scaling our Success
Our next decade focuses on scaling success to meet Washington’s most pressing needs:
• Pipeline Growth: Increasing healthcare provider graduates to meet rising demand.
• Rural Access: Expanding clinical footprints and educational opportunities in underserved counties.
• Applied Research: Improving regional health outcomes through targeted research.
“Our ten-year partnership with Gonzaga highlights the role our universities play in improving the health of patients in Washington and beyond by working together to advance education, care and opportunity. I am deeply proud of the impact we’ve achieved together.”
Robert J. Jones, President University of Washington
The collaboration is working — delivering a stronger workforce, a thriving economy, and a healthier Washington. Thank you for your continued investment.
Darryl Potyk, M.D., Chief for Medical Education, UWSOM Spokane
Julie Wolter, Ph.D., Dean, Gonzaga School of Health Sciences gonzaga.edu/HealthPartnership