UT Health East Texas is expanding its commitment to healthcare access in Whitehouse with a new, state-of-the-art medical facility currently under construction. The extensive clinic, designed to encompass more than 11,000 square feet, is being developed specifically to meet the growing healthcare needs of families residing throughout southern Smith County. The future clinic will be prominently located at 710 Highway 110 N., directly adjacent to the Taco Bell in Whitehouse, Texas. The news of this significant development was released on August 25, 2026.
The selection of this particular site reflects a strategic decision, as emphasized by Steven Cox, MD, who serves as the UT Tyler School of Medicine Faculty Practice Plan President. Dr. Cox pointed out that the location is "situated along a growth corridor in southeastern Smith County," an area experiencing significant population expansion. He reiterated UT Health East Texas's ongoing commitment to address the increasing demand for quality healthcare services that are conveniently located close to where community members live and work. This substantial investment, Dr. Cox explained, is intended to ensure that families in this rapidly developing region have ready access to the comprehensive medical care they require, precisely when they need it.
Once completed, the new Whitehouse facility is planned to house a team of six family medicine providers, offering a foundational element of healthcare to the community. In a move designed for patient convenience, the clinic will integrate on-site X-ray and laboratory services. This combination is intended to establish the facility as a comprehensive, one-stop destination where patients can receive a range of diagnostic and treatment services without needing to travel to multiple locations.
Jason Boyd, chief operating officer of UT Health East Texas Physicians, elaborated on the operational benefits of this integrated approach. According to Boyd, by bringing numerous essential services together under a single roof, the organization aims to significantly streamline the overall patient experience. This consolidation will enable the clinic to deliver more timely and coordinated care, further solidifying the goal of providing healthcare closer to home for Whitehouse residents and those in surrounding communities.
The scope of services offered at the clinic will be broad, encompassing more than just the treatment of acute illnesses. Providers will deliver crucial preventive annual wellness visits, a cornerstone of long-term health management. Additionally, the clinic will offer a variety of specific medical procedures, including joint injections, along with minor procedures such as stitches for lacerations and the removal of warts. Recognizing the immediate needs that often arise, the facility will also accommodate walk-in appointments for patients, subject to the availability of providers.
Dr. Michael Racs, DO, MBA, primary care medical director of UT Health East Texas Physicians, highlighted the fundamental role this new clinic will play in community health. Dr. Racs articulated that "Primary care is the foundation of a healthier community." He further elaborated that the Whitehouse clinic will significantly expand local access to vital preventive care initiatives, comprehensive chronic disease management programs, and medical attention for same-day needs. The expansion of providers and services into this area is expected to foster opportunities for patients to build lasting, trust-based relationships with their dedicated care teams, thereby ensuring they receive the right care at the most opportune time. The construction signifies an active step by UT Health East Texas to meet East Texas's evolving healthcare landscape.
