Strategic Framework 2026–2030
Built for the moment — advancing the future
Pillar 3
Strengthening healthier communities where everyone can thrive
Communities across Washington and the five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) region face growing workforce shortages, rapid technological change and persistent inequities. These challenges strain health systems and affect community well-being. By expanding access to high-quality, equitable care and strengthening the health workforce, we will ensure innovation improves lives and communities.
UW Medicine and our health sciences schools will collaborate more deeply with partners across the University to harness big data, AI and emerging technologies to accelerate breakthroughs and reimagine care delivery. By bringing together research and expertise across disciplines, we can better address the interconnected factors that shape how long and how well people live. In doing so, we will advance human health and the economic, environmental and social foundations that help communities thrive locally and globally.
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Objective 3.A.
Expanding access to care
UW Medicine will be the healthcare provider of choice in the Puget Sound region. We will expand access to high-quality, equitable care locally and in rural, underserved and tribal communities by strengthening the connection between research discovery and clinical practice while deploying innovative technologies and outreach. As a critical safety-net provider for the state’s most vulnerable patients, we view expanding access and promoting health equity as central to our mission. We will lead at the intersection between engineering and medicine to create the hospital and clinic of the future. This includes expanding and modernizing our UW Medical Center–Montlake campus and using technology to improve the patient experience and quality of care. Through community-based education that allows students to prepare for health careers without relocating, the UW will train a larger, interdisciplinary workforce prepared to meet the evolving health needs of Washington and the wider WWAMI region.
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Objective 3.B.
Driving technological innovation that meets the needs of humanity
The UW will lead in the responsible development and use of big data, AI and other emerging technologies to advance next-generation healthcare. We will pair technological ambition with strong commitments to ethics, governance, privacy and environmental responsibility. This will ensure innovation remains focused on serving patients, learners, clinicians and communities. Through deeper collaboration across UW Medicine, our health science schools and technology‑focused fields, we will focus our research and clinical efforts on evidence‑based applications that improve outcomes, build trust and reduce health inequities across Washington and the broader WWAMI region.
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Objective 3.C.
Shaping healthier populations
The UW will help build healthier, more resilient communities by addressing the interconnected economic, environmental and social factors that shape how long and how well people live. Anchored by interdisciplinary collaboration across fields, and strengthened by deep community and global partnerships, we will accelerate the translation of research, education and practice into effective, community-driven solutions. Through this work, we will support longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives for people here and around the world.