A major healthcare construction project is moving forward in South Florida as industry leaders, healthcare providers, and academic institutions invest in infrastructure designed to address both patient care demand and physician workforce development.
Construction recently commenced on the Helen and Jacob Shaham Academic Medical Center, a $158 million development that will serve as a hub for medical education, research, and outpatient healthcare services. The project is being developed through a partnership involving Florida International University's medical school and Baptist Health South Florida.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, the seven-story facility will include academic learning environments alongside a broad range of outpatient services. Planned offerings include diagnostic imaging, same-day surgical procedures, and multi-specialty medical care designed to improve healthcare accessibility for residents throughout the region.
For construction stakeholders, the project reflects continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, one of the industry's most active and resilient market sectors. Healthcare facilities often require specialized design, advanced building systems, and complex coordination among owners, operators, clinicians, and contractors, creating opportunities for experienced builders and trade partners.
The academic medical center will also support physician education and workforce development at a time when many healthcare systems across the United States are facing challenges related to provider shortages and increasing patient demand. By integrating education and clinical services within a single facility, project leaders aim to create a long-term pipeline for healthcare professionals while expanding access to care.
Robins & Morton and Thornton Construction are delivering the project through a joint venture arrangement, while Stantec is providing architectural services. The integrated team will oversee construction of the facility as it progresses toward its anticipated opening.
Healthcare construction continues to be a significant source of project activity nationwide. Population growth, aging demographics, advances in medical technology, and increasing demand for outpatient treatment models are driving investments in new facilities and campus expansions.
Academic medical centers have become particularly important because they combine patient care, research, and workforce training under one roof. These projects often generate long-term economic and community benefits while creating opportunities for specialized contractors and consultants.
The project demonstrates how healthcare owners are increasingly pursuing facilities that support multiple objectives simultaneously, including patient access, workforce development, operational efficiency, and long-term community impact.
For owners evaluating future healthcare investments, integrated medical campuses can provide greater flexibility and long-term value while addressing growing demands for both healthcare services and professional training capacity.
Source: Robins&Morton.
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