UT Austin Launches UT Dell Medicine System Amid $750 Million Gift

The University of Texas at Austin now operates a single academic medical system called UT Dell Medicine. This new structure combines the university's existing medical school, clinics, and future hospital under one name and administrative umbrella.

The rebranding coincides with a major capital project. The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation donated $750 million to build the new Dell Medical Center. Officials describe this contribution as one of the largest gifts ever made to a U.S. university. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2030.

Dr. John Zerwas, chancellor of the UT System, announced the changes at an event on Tuesday. He stated that the new system is designed to meet the increasing medical demands of the Austin region. Zerwas noted that the opportunity to create an academic health enterprise from scratch is rare.

The existing Dell Medical School will serve as the core of the new organization. The university's clinical practice, previously known as UT Health Austin, is being rebranded to align with the new system. The clinics currently offer orthopedics, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, pulmonology, and urology.

Dr. Claudia Lucchinetti, executive vice president for medical affairs, outlined the expanded services the new hospital will provide. These include cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, neurology, transplant services, and advanced intensive care. Lucchinetti said the goal is to coordinate care for patients with complex conditions who currently see multiple specialists at different locations.

The new hospital will partner with MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide advanced oncology services locally. It will also use artificial intelligence and advanced computing to improve prevention and diagnosis. University officials project that the new center will triple the total patient capacity for UT Dell Medicine once it is fully operational.