7 Shocking Ways UC Davis Health Is Redefining Care In 2025 (1 Million Sq. Ft. Expansion Revealed)

UC Davis Health is currently undergoing a monumental transformation, solidifying its position as a national leader in academic medicine and the top-ranked hospital in the Sacramento area. As of December 15, 2025, the institution is executing its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which includes an unprecedented construction program and a strategic shift toward proactive, patient-centered care. This article dives into the seven most significant, up-to-the-minute developments that are defining the future of healthcare across Northern and Central California.

The commitment to innovation extends beyond new buildings; it encompasses clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and a dedication to community health needs, particularly improving access to specialty care across its vast service area of 33 counties and 6 million residents. From receiving elite national awards to opening specialized, state-of-the-art labs, UC Davis Health is demonstrating why it remains a powerhouse in complex health treatments and medical education.

UC Davis Health: A Profile in Academic Medicine Excellence

UC Davis Health is the academic health system for the University of California, Davis, and is headquartered in Sacramento. It is one of the region’s largest economic engines and a pivotal center for biomedical research.

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• Institution Type: Academic Health System
• Core Components: UC Davis Medical Center, UC Davis School of Medicine, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, and UC Davis Medical Group.
• Flagship Hospital: UC Davis Medical Center (4301 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95817).
• Geographic Reach: Serves 33 counties and approximately 6 million residents in Northern and Central California.
• Clinical Specialties: Offers specialty care in over 150 fields, including comprehensive surgery services, a birth center, and 24/7 emergency care.
• Key Facilities: UC Davis Children’s Hospital, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, and multiple neighborhood clinics across Placer, Yolo, and Sacramento counties (e.g., Auburn, Elk Grove, Davis clinics).
• Current Strategic Focus: Vision 2030 and the 2022-2027 Clinical Strategic Plan.

1. The Unprecedented 1 Million Square Foot Expansion in 2025

The single most dramatic update for UC Davis Health in 2025 is the sheer scale of its ongoing construction and facilities modernization. The institution is on track to open an astounding 1 million square feet of new development—the largest single-year expansion in its history.

This massive undertaking is a core component of the long-term Vision 2030 strategy. The goal is not merely to add space but to fundamentally modernize and replace aging facilities, which, in turn, will create hundreds of new jobs and attract new research partners to the Sacramento campus.

The new facilities are designed to support a seamless, integrated patient experience, providing the most advanced healthcare and research capabilities. This construction boom is a clear signal of UC Davis Health’s commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the entire region.

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2. Securing Top National and Regional Rankings for 2025

UC Davis Health continues to garner elite recognition, cementing its reputation for clinical excellence. The 2024–2025 ranking cycle has been particularly strong across multiple areas:

• U.S. News & World Report: UC Davis Medical Center was ranked among the nation's best in six specialties and was named the top-ranking hospital in the Sacramento area for 2025.
• Healthgrades: The Medical Center received the prestigious America's 100 Best Hospitals Award for 2024, placing it among the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance.
• UC Davis Children’s Hospital: The specialized pediatric facility was recognized as a 2024–2025 Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting its commitment to complex pediatric care.
• NRC Health: For patient satisfaction and trust, UC Davis Health earned the Consumer Loyalty Best in Class Award for 2024 and 2025, a recognition based on comprehensive market research.

These consistent high rankings underscore the quality of care available to patients across various demographics, from complex adult specialties to dedicated children's services. The reputation of the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing also consistently receives top honors, further driving the institution's academic prestige.

3. National Center of Excellence in Pancreatic Cancer Care

The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center recently achieved a significant milestone by earning the National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence designation. This honor is crucial because it recognizes institutions that provide expert, multidisciplinary care and leading-edge research specifically for pancreatic disease.

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Pancreatic cancer and related disorders are notoriously complex and require highly specialized teams. This designation means patients in Northern California have access to a nationally recognized center for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials for one of the most challenging forms of cancer. The Comprehensive Cancer Center’s focus on personalized medicine and translational research is key to this success.

4. Redefining Patient-Centered Care Models (Proactive vs. Reactive)

A major pillar of the 2022-2027 Clinical Strategic Plan involves a fundamental shift in how care is delivered. Instead of focusing on reactive and episodic care—treating patients only when they are sick—UC Davis Health is redesigning its models to be proactively patient-centered.

This strategy is about creating an integrated experience, utilizing technology and coordinated care teams to manage chronic conditions, focus on preventative health, and ensure seamless transitions between different levels of care. It represents a forward-thinking approach to population health management, aimed at keeping the community healthier long-term.

5. New Temporal Bone Lab Elevates Otolaryngology Training

In a move to advance highly specialized surgical training, UC Davis Health opened a new temporal bone lab, operated by the Department of Otolaryngology. The temporal bone is a complex and vital part of the skull that houses the structures for hearing and balance.

This dedicated facility provides residents, fellows, and faculty with a specialized space to refine intricate surgical techniques for complex ear and skull base procedures. The investment in this high-tech lab ensures that future generations of surgeons are trained using the most advanced methods, directly benefiting patients requiring delicate procedures in this specialized field.

6. Strategic Focus on Expanding Specialty Care Access

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment Implementation Strategy has identified a critical need: improving access to specialty care throughout the vast Northern and Central California service area.

UC Davis Health is actively supporting new initiatives and programs to address this, recognizing that for many residents in rural or underserved areas, traveling to the Sacramento campus is a significant barrier. This strategic focus includes expanding telemedicine services, developing satellite clinics (such as the Auburn clinic and Elk Grove locations), and creating new partnerships to bring complex specialty expertise closer to home. This initiative directly impacts the health equity of the region.

7. Advanced Imaging with the EXPLORER Total Body Scanner

As a leading academic medical center, UC Davis Health is home to some of the world's most advanced diagnostic technologies. This includes the implementation of the EXPLORER total body scanner, a revolutionary piece of radiology and imaging equipment.

The EXPLORER scanner offers unprecedented speed and clarity in imaging, allowing doctors to detect diseases like cancer earlier and track their progression with greater precision than traditional PET or CT scans. This technology, combined with other advanced services like MRIs and fluoroscopy, is a powerful tool in delivering tomorrow's health care today, supporting accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning across all 150 specialties offered at the Medical Center.