• Shands ribbon cutting Download

The new facility at NW 39th cost $35 million to build.

Shands at UF opened a new building Thursday on NW 39th Avenue, offering dermatology, cardiology, women’s health and other specialized practices all in one place.

David Guzick, senior vice president for health affairs at Shands, said the facility satisfies a growing need.

“Our investment in these facilities is making a significant economic impact in our community,” Guzick said. “The Gainesville population is growing, particularly in the northwest quadrant of the city, which is so distant from our main hospital.”

Guzick said he expects about 200,000 patient visits a year at the new building. Hospital staff will integrate patient medical records between all Shands practices.

In white coats, David Guzick, president of UF&Shands Health System, and Michael Good UF College of Medicine dean, and others cut a ribbon Thursday to open the building. Doctors and nurses will begin seeing patients there in mid-January.

The facility will house some of the nation’s top doctors, said Michael Good, dean of medicine at UF.

“World-class physicians will be sitting in exam rooms with patients and providing just exceptional care,” he said.

The new building isn’t the only new addition to Shands. Earlier this week, the health center announced plans for a $10 million emergency room in the same area.

Katherine Hahn edited this story online.