June 3, 2003 — Breadth and depth are the key words as the University of Utah breaks ground on its Orthopedic Surgery Center June 6. The 100,000-square-foot, three-level facility will incorporate the eight major orthopedic subspecialties including, foot & ankle, hand, oncology, pediatrics, spine, sports medicine, trauma, and adult reconstruction in the same center and give space for more physicians in these areas.

The groundbreaking starts at 11:30 a.m. at the building’s future site on the corner of Foothill Drive and Wakara Way.

The comprehensive University Orthopedic Center, part of University of Utah Hospitals & Clinics and the U medical school?s Department of Orthopedics, has been in the sights for nearly 20 years and will offer numerous resources for complex cases as well as common patient care needs.

“Patients will have a centralized location with a number of top physicians to provide the best possible care,” said Richard A. Fullmer, executive director of University Hospitals & Clinics.

Patients with complex injuries will be able to see multiple specialists all in one building, according to Harold K. Dunn, M.D., professor and chair of orthopedics. “Cross-checking with other experts will increase the ability to focus the best person on the problem.

“The orthopedic center will be invaluable in giving personalized and efficient care to our patients.” he said.

The $26 million facility will include more than 40 exam rooms, physical therapy exercise and treatment facility, therapy pool, outpatient surgical center, patient observation rooms, digital radiography and MRI facilities, pharmacy, research labs, classrooms, and offices. The state-of-the-art facility also will support academic and research programs in orthopedics.

Expected to be completed in Fall 2004, the University will fully occupy the building financed by Wakara Associates, designed by Architectural Nexus, and built by Layton Construction.