Marking a significant achievement in the ongoing redevelopment of the Hillcrest medical campus, the new McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at UC San Diego Health will bring together advanced technology, expanded specialty care and patient-centered design to transform outpatient services for San Diego. As a key component of a multi-phase, 62-acre revitalization project, the pavilion embodies the UC San Diego Health commitment to modernizing infrastructure and enhancing clinical capabilities.
Recognized as a premier health care destination, the Hillcrest medical campus is home to a Level 1 Trauma Center, Regional Burn Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center and an Emergency Department, serving more than 50,000 patients each year.
Redevelopment of the construction project is unfolding in multiple phases. Visible signs of progress include the new McGrath Outpatient Pavilion, First Avenue Parking Structure, the improved Bachman Place roadway, and a series of structure upgrades that are reshaping the campus landscape.
As the health care system prepares for the grand opening of McGrath Outpatient Pavilion, Lisa Rhodes, chief administrative officer of health campus development, reflects on the significance of the growth, her role in the project and the exciting future of health care for our community.
What are you most proud of with this project?
I’ve had the privilege of working at Hillcrest Medical Center for 25 years and seeing this transformative project come to life is incredibly fulfilling. McGrath Outpatient Pavilion represents the culmination of decades of planning and vision. It's been thrilling to be a part of this journey, especially knowing the impact it will have on the health of our community for generations.
I’m especially grateful to Patty Maysent, chief executive officer of UC San Diego Health, and UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla for their unwavering leadership. They have been instrumental in pushing this massive project forward, ensuring that it will improve health care for our patients and elevate the work environment for our dedicated staff.
Can you share more about your role in the project?
My role is multifaceted. As the chief administrative officer for health campus development, I oversee the planning, building, and activation phases of McGrath Outpatient Pavilion and the entire redevelopment of this campus. I work to ensure that our clinical teams’ needs are incorporated into the design, construction, and operational phases of the project. This includes maintaining the project timeline and budget, collaborating closely with our construction team, and ensuring that patient care needs are met.
Another part of my role is advocating for the vision and goals of UC San Diego Health, helping the construction teams understand how their work will impact the future of health care delivery. That’s where our "one team" philosophy has been so essential. It’s a guiding mindset. From day one, UC San Diego Health, DPR Construction, design consultants and clinical staff have operated as a unified team with shared goals.
This collective spirit has fostered open communication, problem-solving and trust at every level. It’s made a complex, large-scale project not only manageable but energizing. The "one team" approach has become a big part of why we’ve been able to create a facility that truly serves patients, staff and the community.
What does your average day look like while working on this project?
Every day brings something different. We’re working on plans for a new hospital tower, a multi-purpose research building and a wellness component. At the same time, we’ve been actively involved in improving parking accessibility with the new First Avenue Parking Structure and widening Bachman Place to improve access.
A typical day involves coordinating with architects, engineers, and planners to align on progress and priorities. I participate in site walks, manage delivery logistics for critical equipment, and help prepare for licensing visits. Collaborating with clinical leaders is key — we refine workflows, enhance patient experience and plan for move-in and go-live scenarios.
Amid the busy construction, the most rewarding part is seeing how each piece fits together to create a better environment for everyone. One particularly memorable moment came during excavation, when crews uncovered prehistoric fossils, including whales, seals, and birds, which will be displayed at the San Diego Natural History Museum. It was an incredible reminder of the deep history of this land and how the work we’re doing now is shaping its future.
How will the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion redefine care at UC San Diego Health?
McGrath Outpatient Pavilion will be a game changer for the way we deliver care. As the region’s only academic medical center, we’re committed to integrating the latest medical advancements and ensuring a seamless, compassionate patient experience.
The outpatient pavilion will house a wide array of services, including multi-specialty programs in oncology, neurosurgery, digestive diseases, orthopedics, and urology. Patients will be able to access advanced imaging, outpatient surgery suites, and leading-edge cancer treatment services, including radiation therapy in a brand-new linear accelerator (LINAC). Our patient-centered approach will be reflected in every aspect of the facility, from easy check-ins and registration before arrival to spacious, calming waiting areas.
In addition to these clinical services, the pavilion’s design ensures that the entire patient experience —whether it’s visiting a specialty clinic or undergoing a surgical procedure — is as smooth and supportive as possible.
How does this project reflect UC San Diego Health’s broader commitment to the community?
This redevelopment project exemplifies that we’re not only investing in the physical infrastructure of the Hillcrest medical campus, but we’re also investing in the experience of our patients and the well-being of our staff. It’s a clear reflection of UC San Diego Health’s promise to providing world-class care to our community and remaining at the forefront of academic medicine.
The medical campus will continue to be the cornerstone of health care and academic medicine in San Diego — delivering the highest quality services and serving as a hub for innovation and research. McGrath Outpatient Pavilion is a critical milestone, but we’re just getting started, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
Bringing World-Class Care to the Heart of San Diego
The Hillcrest Redevelopment Project represents a reimagining of how academic medicine can better serve you, your family and the whole community.
