AtlantiCare officials were very clear: The health system’s new $38.3 million Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City is not just another example of a system expanding its footprint in an area — it’s an example of a health system expanding its ability to serve the underserved in its area.
The three-story, 69,700-square-foot facility is intended to significantly expand access to care for underserved populations and help close the gap in health care disparities. In addition, the pavilion will aim to enhance AtlantiCare’s Medical Education Program, proactively addressing an anticipated nationwide shortage of physicians.
That’s the statement CEO Lori Herndon hopes will come across when AtlantiCare breaks ground on the facility Tuesday afternoon with a host of dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford), Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Chairman Bob Mulcahy and others.
The facility will be on South Ohio Avenue, across the street from AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s main campus. AtlantiCare officials said they plan to open the facility by the end of next year.
The facility is expected to increase access to:
- The maternal/fetal medicine program for high-risk patients;
- Family planning services;
- The Federally Qualified Health Center;
- A perinatal clinic (that AtlantiCare intends to build).
It also will feature an urgent care center and a dialysis unit.
Expanding AtlantiCare’s Medical Education program will provide opportunities for its graduate medical residents and medical students aimed at addressing the growing need for physicians in New Jersey and the anticipated nationwide shortage of physicians.
The facility will include an auditorium for medical education for up to 150 people, medical education classrooms and offices, and simulation labs to help students develop and maintain clinical skills.
The project got final approval from the CRDA in the winter, when CRDA announced it would donate the property for this facility by transferring ownership of the land to AtlantiCare.
The groundbreaking was intentionally set for March 30, which is National Doctors’ Day.
AtlantiCare is an integrated health care system based in Egg Harbor Township. Its more than 6,000 staff, providers and volunteers serve the community in more than 100 locations in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Ocean counties of southern New Jersey.
