$25 million naming gift to health center from Laurie McGrath ushers in a new era of integrated outpatient specialty care
UC San Diego Health has officially opened the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion, a landmark addition to its Hillcrest medical campus made possible by a wave of transformative philanthropy.
At the heart of this milestone is a $25 million lead gift from Laurie McGrath and the McGrath Family Foundation, whose generosity named the 250,000-square-foot facility and helped usher in a new era of integrated, outpatient specialty care for the growing San Diego community.
“My motivation to give to UC San Diego Health stemmed from more than its advanced diagnostics and treatments,” said Laurie McGrath, president of the McGrath Family Foundation.
“I was profoundly moved by the kindness, professionalism, and compassion shown to my family. This gift ensures others can receive the same level of extraordinary care, especially in a community like Hillcrest where it’s deeply needed.”
The McGrath family’s commitment was joined by significant support from other key philanthropic partners. Price Philanthropies and the Price family contributed $10 million to establish the Barbara Parker, MD, Breast Center and name the Price Philanthropies Foundation Plaza.
Laurie McGrath is CEO of McGrath Development, Inc., a commercial real estate development and property management company she founded in San Diego in 1988.
The company has been responsible for acquisitions, construction, and management of a portfolio of commercial and industrial projects of over four million square feet.
She also co-founded the McGrath Family Foundation in 1986 with her mother, Carlee McGrath, for the primary purpose of supporting charitable organizations that are dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, women’s and children’s causes, and other humanitarian programs in the local community and throughout the world.
Laurie enjoys outdoor activities and travel, and spends much of the winter month at her Park City home where she enjoys skiing and community activities.
Additional major gifts came from Carol and Jeff Chang, Irwin and the late Joan Jacobs, and the Health Sciences Board of Advisors, whose collective contributions led to the naming of the Steven R. Garfin, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic.
“These donors are helping transform the future of care delivery,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “Their belief in our mission—and their investment in our vision—demonstrates the powerful role philanthropy plays in advancing health, science, and service to the community.”
The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion brings together nationally ranked programs and offers state-of-the-art services, including cancer treatment, ambulatory surgery, advanced imaging, and specialty care ranging from neurosurgery to urology and vascular care.
As the first significant step in the redevelopment of the 62-acre Hillcrest campus, the pavilion strengthens UC San Diego Health’s standing as a hub for academic medicine and community-centered innovation.
“This is more than a building—it’s a testament to what’s possible when donors and a health system come together around a shared purpose,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health.
“The McGrath Pavilion is our new model for delivering multidisciplinary, compassionate care under one roof.”
Donor impact is visible throughout the space, from the breast center and orthopedic clinic to respite areas for caregivers and curated public art by local artists, reinforcing a healing environment reflective of San Diego’s creative spirit.
As construction continues on future phases—including workforce housing, greenspace, and additional medical facilities—UC San Diego Health remains committed to delivering accessible, world-class care, supported by a community of visionary philanthropists.
“These generous gifts are more than charitable acts,” said Lisa Rhodes, chief administrative officer of health campus development.
“They’re bold investments in the health, dignity, and future of every patient we serve.”