Tyler, Texas — UT Health East Texas has expanded its clinical services in the new UT Tyler School of Medicine Building, bringing advanced outpatient, specialty, and imaging services together under one roof. The facility, which opened August 26, 2026, aims to enhance patient care, convenience, and access across the region.
The first floor of the building houses the Advanced Imaging Center, which provides comprehensive breast imaging services, including 3D mammography, ultrasound, and breast MRI. This center features dedicated waiting areas for all patients, including men, who can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, advanced MRI technology is available on the first floor.
On the second floor, a new CT scanner complements the first floor's MRI technology, offering what UT Health Tyler Director of Imaging Russ Cannon described as some of the most advanced diagnostic capabilities in East Texas. Cannon noted that the new equipment significantly improves image quality and can reduce the need for invasive procedures. He stated, “These technologies allow us to diagnose conditions with greater accuracy and confidence than ever before.” Clinical services on this floor also include women’s health, offering comprehensive care through every stage of life, such as preventive, gynecologic, and maternity services.
The third floor is dedicated to orthopedics, effectively doubling previous clinic capacity. This space integrates imaging and diagnostic testing directly within the clinic to provide a more seamless patient experience. The fourth floor centralizes pulmonary services through a new Pulmonary Institute, which brings together specialty providers, advanced diagnostic testing, and coordinated care in one location.
Each clinical floor in the facility is equipped with in-clinic, low-dose X-ray technology. This allows patients to receive diagnostic imaging during their appointment without needing to travel to another location. According to Russ Cannon, placing imaging services directly within the clinics improves both safety and convenience while creating a more efficient experience for patients. The facility’s advanced cardiac imaging capabilities are expected to play an important role in improving diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with heart disease.
Later this year, the fifth floor of the building is slated to become a hub for advanced surgical care. It will feature eight state-of-the-art operating rooms, leading-edge robotic surgical technology, and an integrated Sterile Processing Department designed to support the broader UT Health Tyler campus.
This new facility represents a collaborative investment by UT Health East Texas and The University of Texas at Tyler. It is designed to integrate medical education, research, and patient care to expand access to advanced services and strengthen the physician workforce serving East Texas. Donald Baker, regional president of UT Health East Texas, characterized the facility as a “transformational investment in the future of healthcare for East Texas.” He added that the partnership between UT Health East Texas and the UT Tyler School of Medicine reflects a shared commitment to improving the health of the region and building the healthcare workforce needed for future generations. Once the fifth floor opens, the facility will fully integrate its planned services, further enhancing healthcare offerings in the region.
