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.
A SUSTAINABLE TALENT PIPELINE
SPO K ANE STUDE NT E NR O L L ME NT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
2016
2026
Physicians (UWSOM)
100
120
Physician Assistants (UW MEDEX)
29
32*
Dentists (UW RIDE)
8
32
Expanding the Frontline Workforce
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
2016
2026
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.
Nurse Practitioners (MSN, DNP) • Family Practice • Psych mental health • Nursing Leadership
428
438
20
72
• 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.
Anesthesia Practice)
Registered Nurses (BSN)
321
335
Bachelors in Human Physiology**
168
188
• 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
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (Doctor of Nurse
50 years with Providence Health
Bachelors in Public Health**
Started in 2024
NA
49
Bachelors in Neuroscience**
Started in 2023
NA
96
* 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 are 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