Reimagining a Health Sciences Campus for All

As a second-year medical student at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, I am a firm advocate for the transformation of the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences. The relocation of the College of Osteopathic Medicine to Portland and the increased capacity for team-based learning will offer immense benefits for future generations of students who choose to enroll in all of the University’s health professions programs.

Collaboration among different specialties will facilitate a holistic approach to patient care, reflecting the real-world health care landscape. Interacting with peers from diverse health programs will also foster strong interprofessional relationships. This interaction will not only enhance our own knowledge and skills but also cultivate a strong network of professionals who can effectively collaborate in diverse health care settings.

A group of people in construction hats climb the stairs of a building under construction

As a hub for medical education facilities and health care services, ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Portland Campus will offer future health professions students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich health care ecosystem. For students, the move to Portland will increase opportunities for research, clinical placements, and practical experiences due to the city’s robust health infrastructure.

The opportunity to be engrossed in such an environment will be highly advantageous for aspiring physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and other medical professionals.

Exterior of the construction of U N E's new Harold and Bibby Center for Health Sciences building
U N E President James Herbert speaks at the groundbreaking of the Harold and Bibby Center for Health Sciences on U N E's Portland campus
U N E President James Herbert and the College of Osteopathic Medicine dean stand in front of the construction of the Harold and Bibby Center for Health Sciences
A man in a hard hat and a suit stands in front of the Health Sciences building construction
Three construction workers wearing hard hats examine the construction of the new U N E portland campus medical school building

The campus transformation will grant students access to state-of-the-art educational facilities, foster interprofessional research opportunities, facilitate cultural exposure, and broaden the range of resources available for students to develop personally and professionally.

This new environment will not only enhance the learning experience, but also contribute to an elevated sense of professionalism and dedication to our studies. I firmly believe that this transition will greatly enhance the student experience, both within the confines of the classroom and in the broader living context.

— Tyler Nussinow (D.O., ’26)

Bonus Content

Highlights from the Groundbreaking of ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences