Home > TX > Tyler > Healthy Places > Expanding and Enhancing Health Care in Tyler, TX

Expanding and Enhancing Health Care in Tyler, TX

Key investments are positioning the region at the forefront of innovation and patient care.
By Kim Madlom on June 10, 2025
Rendering of UT Health East Texas’ South Tyler facility
Courtesy of UT Health
Rendering of UT Health East Texas’ South Tyler facility

As the premier medical providers in the region, CHRISTUS Health and UT Health East Texas are making significant strides in expanding their footprint and enhancing health care in Tyler, TX.

Through strategic investments in new facilities, workforce training programs and cutting-edge technology, these health care institutions are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation and patient care while solidifying Tyler’s position as a leading medical hub. 

Meeting Growing Needs for Health Care in Tyler

UT Health East Texas is taking a major step forward with the development of a new $12 million facility in South Tyler. This state-of-the-art facility will provide orthopedics and sports medicine services, urgent care, a diagnostic and imaging facility as well as outpatient rehabilitation. 

“This facility will allow us to provide general orthopedic and sports medicine evaluations, fracture care and the full range of joint injections,” says Don McKay, market director of orthopedics and sports medicine. “With the population growth to the south, our goal is to provide convenient access for patients in South Tyler and surrounding communities.” 

UT Health East Texas is a comprehensive regional health network encompassing 10 hospitals, over 90 clinics, rehabilitation facilities, emergency centers, home health services, a large emergency medical service fleet and a robust trauma network, including the region’s only Level I trauma center. 

As the sole health system in the area that pays state and local taxes, UT Health East Texas reinvests directly into the community, further demonstrating its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality care and supporting the overall well-being of East Texas. 

To improve regional health care, UT Health East Texas launched the region’s first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program, a cutting-edge life support system designed for critically ill patients whose heart and lungs are failing. This advanced technology temporarily takes over the functions of these organs, allowing them to rest and heal. 

In addition, UT Health East Texas has broadened its mental health services and urgent care network and continues to enhance women’s health services, expanding OB/GYN care and setting a record for newborn deliveries in Tyler. The system has also celebrated the third anniversary of its neonatal intensive care unit, which provides specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns. 

CHRISTUS Health
Callynth Photography
CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is also investing in infrastructure upgrades and expansions across its campuses to accommodate the increasing demand for health services while maintaining the highest standards of patient comfort and care. 

New multi-provider specialty clinic expansions are currently underway in The Village at Cumberland Park in Tyler, CHRISTUS NorthPark in Longview and in Sulphur Springs. 

Building a Skilled Workforce in Tyler

In addition to infrastructure development, both CHRISTUS and UT Health are prioritizing the cultivation of a skilled health care workforce. 

UT Health’s partnership with the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine is creating invaluable opportunities for aspiring medical professionals, providing hands-on training and research opportunities that prepare them for careers in medicine. More than 120 medical residents are currently training on UT Health’s Tyler campuses in family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery and other specialties. 

CHRISTUS Health’s SkillBridge Internship Program offers pathways to transitioning military personnel seeking careers in health care. 

“CHRISTUS leaders are ecstatic about the opportunity we have to bring in talented, skilled and dedicated professionals who are interested in supporting our mission,” says Jessica Kemp, director of talent acquisition for CHRISTUS Health. “We are excited to watch this program grow, and we look forward to providing a great experience to many more service members.” 

Committing to the Community 

Modern health care is evolving rapidly, and CHRISTUS Health and UT Health East Texas are committed to integrating advanced technology – robotic-assisted surgeries, telemedicine platforms, AI-driven diagnostic tools – to improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery. 

“When technology is integrated effectively, hospitals become not only more efficient, but safer and more reliable for patients,” Kemp says. “It’s about creating an environment where care is both advanced and compassionate, which fits perfectly with our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.” 

The investments in facilities, workforce development and technology reflect a shared commitment by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler and UT Health East Texas to meet the evolving needs of the Tyler community. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, these institutions are enhancing health care delivery and contributing to the region’s economic growth. 

Newsletter Sign Up