Aurora Ildefonso, a project manager at DPR in Sacramento, has extensive experience in healthcare construction, known for her commitment to maintaining clear schedules and transparency regarding change orders. However, her perspective changed after participating in DPR's inaugural Healthcare Fellowship program, which focuses on expanding builders' understanding of healthcare project dynamics.

“This experience allowed me to realize that beyond technical skills, the impact of thoughtful execution and collaboration on patients, staff, and communities is immense,” Ildefonso said. “We learned that building strong relationships can significantly improve satisfaction, not just adhering to schedules and getting the details right."

For the 23 program participants from across the U.S., these insights were crucial. In addition to learning about the challenges of healthcare construction, the program's goal was to cultivate the next generation of healthcare construction leaders.

“The unique nature of healthcare environments means that just following the drawings doesn't guarantee success,” said Hamilton Espinosa, one of DPR's healthcare market leaders. “Our job is to connect our teams with DPR’s decades of expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

As technology evolves, healthcare projects are becoming more complex. “New technology is shaping how patients are cared for and how healthcare facilities operate,” said DPR project manager Katie Gutzwiller. “A well-equipped team that understands these complexities is vital for coordinating stakeholders and ensuring a smooth project flow.”

Adapting to a Changing Market

The healthcare construction market faces unique challenges, from constrained capital budgets to the effects of burnout among healthcare staff. “Knowing the final cost and timeline is crucial in influencing decisions,” noted one DPR national customer supporting the fellowship. These pressures often trickle down to contractors.

“The biggest change I've seen over the last decade is healthcare owners expecting more from contractors,” said Sam Brinton, a DPR project manager. “They want more design validation and constructability reviews. Contractors are now partners throughout the entire lifecycle of healthcare projects, from planning to operations, which isn't something I was taught in school."

In response to these growing challenges, DPR launched the Healthcare Fellowship program in 2024. The program concluded with five groups presenting solutions to current issues in healthcare construction, while also working alongside experienced healthcare builders, designers, and professionals.

“We're not just building a facility, we’re transforming lives by improving both patient care and the wellbeing of those delivering that care,” Gutzwiller explained. “This program bridges gaps between design and turnover phases that often go unnoticed.”

Bridging Knowledge Gaps

The fellowship also aimed to address gaps in knowledge, particularly in the coordination between builders and customers. “We need to understand the ‘why’ behind the work, not just the how,” said DeAndre Thomas-Howard, a DPR assistant superintendent. “Being able to make recommendations that improve workflow benefits everyone involved.”

Now, the program's graduates are eager to apply what they've learned. “Our teams will have a better understanding of healthcare goals, which will help improve speed and alignment with healthcare systems,” said Thomas-Howard. “This will directly impact the community’s access to care.”

Ildefonso sees similar benefits: “This program helped connect operational experience with preconstruction, allowing us to bring lessons learned from past projects into our current work.”

Healthcare organizations that participated also see value in the program. “It helps DPR’s team understand the unique terminology and processes of healthcare construction, where patient safety is a priority over construction costs,” one health provider commented.

Brinton added, “The fellowship enables us to leverage the knowledge across the entire company, not just locally. It helps connect resources to healthcare organizations in our market, improving outcomes for everyone involved.”