Clark Huesemann worked with Kahler Slater, WSU, WSU Tech, and KU to create planning and programming solutions for a new medical education campus that will serve the University of Kansas Medical School and the Wichita State University Health Professions programs. The work included facilitating a combined stakeholder group with representation from the University of Kansas, WSU Tech, and WSU, to determine space needs, project goals and aspirations, opportunities for efficiency and shared uses, cost estimates, parking needs, and concept layouts for use in a site selection process.
Objectives:
– Improve efficiencies, strengthen collaboration, and support interprofessional health care learning.
– Fuel the talent pipeline with highly trained health care professionals who will help meet community and employer needs.
– Meet community needs through improved patient outcomes.
– Take advantage of the digitalization of health care and health care education.
– Diversify and support the prosperity of the Kansas economy through innovation and research.
Benefits:
– 400,000-square-foot facility will house shared spaces for advanced laboratories, clinical research and technology. The high-tech facility will draw students, educators and researchers from around the country — attracting talent and resources to the Wichita area and boosting the economic success of Kansas.
– Wichita State, WSU Tech and KU have several strong health science academic programs with proven track records for success. Pooling the collective resources and successes of our institutions on one campus will bring about remarkable opportunities for collaboration, innovation and research.
– Initially, roughly 3,000 students and 200 faculty and staff will be housed at the center with opportunities for growth in existing and new programs.
– Prioritizing health care education in Wichita will send a message to our community and our businesses that we care about our community’s health and are willing to invest in it. More investment in health care means more people will be attracted to and stay in Wichita.
– Mental health is paramount to our community, and the HSEC will be key to addressing the demand for counselors and therapists in the region.
