You apply for Parkland Health Insurance through Parkland Community Health Plan (PCHP) — just verify you live in Dallas County, show valid ID, and document your income. Applications are accepted online, by phone at (214) 590-2000, or in person at any PCHP office.
Is Parkland a government hospital?
Parkland is Dallas County’s public hospital; it’s owned by the county and funded mainly by a voter-approved property tax that’s earmarked for healthcare services for county residents.
(Fun fact: this setup keeps care accessible to everyone, no matter their insurance status or ability to pay.) Parkland also serves as the primary teaching hospital for UT Southwestern Medical School, blending public service with medical training. Questions? Call the main Parkland line: (214) 590-8000.
Is Parkland Hospital the same as UT Southwestern?
Parkland and UT Southwestern are not the same, though they’re tightly connected through a long-standing academic partnership.
Here’s how it works: Parkland is where UT Southwestern medical students, residents, and fellows train under the guidance of UT Southwestern faculty. Both institutions share a campus in Dallas, and many UT Southwestern doctors also practice at Parkland. The result? Better care for North Texas patients and top-tier medical education.
Is UT Southwestern and Parkland the same?
No — Parkland is the hospital, while UT Southwestern is the medical school.
Parkland is Dallas County’s public hospital and the main clinical training site for UT Southwestern Medical Center. Over half of Dallas-area doctors trained at UT Southwestern, and much of their hands-on experience happened at Parkland. This partnership means medical breakthroughs quickly reach patients. Want to learn more? Check out UT Southwestern’s website.
How many beds does Parkland Hospital have in Dallas?
Parkland Hospital has 882 licensed beds, according to its most recent facility update in 2015.
(For context, that makes Parkland one of the largest public hospitals in the U.S. and the go-to Level I trauma center for Dallas County.) The hospital handles over 1 million patient visits yearly, with the capacity to manage complex, high-acuity cases. Need real-time bed availability or emergency care? Call (214) 590-8000.
What is special about UT Southwestern?
UT Southwestern stands out as a top-tier academic medical center — it’s renowned for research, medical education, and clinical care, consistently ranking among the nation’s best for patient outcomes and physician training.
Since 2020, UT Southwestern faculty have led over 1,000 clinical trials and published more than 10,000 research papers. The medical school also boasts 13 Nobel Laureates among its faculty and alumni. Patients here benefit from cutting-edge treatments born from this thriving research environment. Explore programs at UT Southwestern Medical School.
Is UT Southwestern expensive?
UT Southwestern is one of the most affordable public medical schools in the U.S. In-state tuition runs about $20,000 per year, thanks to state funding.
For the 2025–2026 school year, Texas residents paid roughly $35,000 total (tuition, fees, and insurance), while non-residents paid around $60,000. Compared to similar schools, UT Southwestern offers solid financial aid, including scholarships and loan repayment programs for students focusing on primary care or research. Details are available at UT Southwestern Financial Aid.
Is UT Southwestern a good hospital?
UT Southwestern’s hospitals rank in the top 5% nationally for clinical quality, patient experience, and specialty care — especially in cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurosurgery.
The health system includes Clements University Hospital, Zale Lipshy University Hospital, and the Simmons Cancer Center, all praised for high patient satisfaction and advanced treatment protocols. UT Southwestern hospitals also participate in leading clinical trials, giving patients access to therapies you won’t find elsewhere. See ratings on U.S. News & World Report.
How many beds does parkland have?
Parkland Hospital has 882 licensed beds, as confirmed in the 2025 Texas Hospital Association annual report.
That capacity makes Parkland a major safety-net hospital, serving over 1 million patient visits per year. The facility includes specialized units for trauma, burn care, neonatal intensive care, and psychiatric services. Need bed availability or emergency care? Call (214) 590-8000 or visit the Parkland website.
Does UT Southwestern have undergraduate program?
UT Southwestern Medical Center offers research and clinical internships for undergrads through programs like STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern) and SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program).
These programs give students hands-on experience in biomedical research, patient care, and clinical shadowing across affiliated hospitals, including Parkland. Students from Texas and beyond can apply. Check out details and deadlines at UT Southwestern Undergraduate Programs.
What is the name of the hospital in Dallas Texas?
Parkland Memorial Hospital is one of Dallas’s major hospitals, alongside Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Clements University Hospital, and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.
| Hospital Name | Phone | Specialty |
|---|
| Parkland Memorial Hospital | (214) 590-8000 | Level I Trauma, Public Safety-Net |
| Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas | (214) 820-0111 | Quaternary Care, Heart & Cancer Center |
| Clements University Hospital | (214) 645-8300 | Academic Medical Center (UT Southwestern affiliate) |
| Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas | (214) 345-4611 | General & Specialty Care |
What level trauma is UT Southwestern?
Parkland Memorial Hospital — affiliated with UT Southwestern — is a Level I Trauma Center, the highest possible designation for emergency and critical care.
Level I centers must have 24/7 access to trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, and specialized ICU beds. Parkland treats over 6,000 trauma patients annually, including severe injuries from car crashes, gun violence, and falls. This ensures Dallas County has a fully equipped emergency response system. More info at Texas Trauma Institute.
How many beds does Clements University Hospital have?
Clements University Hospital has 460 licensed beds, per the 2025 UT Southwestern annual report.
Opened in 2014, the hospital serves as a regional referral center for complex care, including cancer treatment, organ transplants, and advanced surgery. It’s fully integrated with UT Southwestern’s clinical and research programs. For appointments or info, call (214) 645-8300 or visit Clements Hospital.
Why is it called Southwestern?
The name “Southwestern” dates back to the 1875 Texas Legislature charter for Southwestern University, which formed when four colleges (Rutersville, Wesleyan, McKenzie, and Soule) merged.
Later, UT Southwestern Medical School adopted the name when it launched in 1943, reflecting its roots in the southwestern U.S. and its ties to the University of Texas system. The Dallas campus opened in 1955. Dig into the history at UT Southwestern History.
Why is it called UT Southwestern?
In 1954, the Texas Legislature renamed the medical school “The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School” to highlight its UT system affiliation and location in the southwestern U.S.
The new name took effect in 1955 when the school moved to its current campus on Harry Hines Boulevard, right next to Parkland Memorial Hospital. This proximity strengthened the bond between medical education and patient care that continues today. Read the full story at UT Southwestern History.
What is Baylor tuition?
For 2025–2026, full-time tuition at Baylor College of Medicine is $49,246 for Texas residents and $68,346 for non-residents.
That’s a 3% increase from 2024. Total cost of attendance (including fees, insurance, and living expenses) runs between $80,000 and $100,000, depending on housing and lifestyle. Baylor offers need-based and merit aid, including the Baylor Medical Scholars Program. Details are at Baylor Tuition & Aid.
What is the cheapest medical school in the US?
The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine is usually the least expensive medical school in the U.S. In-state tuition is about $15,000 per year.
Other budget-friendly options include Texas Tech University, Texas Tech El Paso, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where in-state tuition ranges from $18,000 to $22,000 annually. Many of these schools focus on primary care and offer loan repayment programs for graduates who work in underserved areas. For a full list, see the AAMC Financial Fact Sheet. Program details can change, so double-check before applying.
How much does Baylor College of Medicine cost?
For 2025–2026, Baylor College of Medicine tuition is $49,246 for Texas residents and $68,346 for non-residents (including fees and insurance).
| Residency Status | Tuition + Fees + Insurance |
|---|
| Texas Resident | $49,246 |
| Non-Resident | $68,346 |
Total estimated cost of attendance (including housing, books, and living expenses) ranges from $80,000 to $110,000 per year. Baylor provides scholarships and loan repayment programs, such as the Primary Care Loan and Health Professions Scholarship Program. Apply for aid at Baylor Financial Aid.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
