University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. It is the original and largest of the two medical schools within the University of Arizona system, founded in 1967. The college is a cornerstone of the Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson and is dedicated to educating physicians, advancing biomedical research, and providing patient care across the Southwestern United States. Its mission emphasizes addressing the unique health needs of diverse populations, including those in border regions and rural communities.

History

The college was established by an act of the Arizona Legislature in 1967, with its first class of 32 students matriculating in 1971 under founding dean Merlin K. DuVal. Its creation was part of a broader expansion of the University of Arizona into health sciences, leading to the development of the Arizona Health Sciences Center campus. A significant early partnership was formed with the Tucson Veterans Administration Medical Center, providing crucial clinical training infrastructure. The college later expanded its footprint with the 2015 academic affiliation that integrated clinical operations with Banner Health, creating Banner – University Medicine.

Academics and programs

The college offers the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree through a curriculum that integrates basic sciences with early clinical experiences, utilizing facilities like the Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch Building. It houses several dual-degree programs, including the M.D./Ph.D. program coordinated with the University of Arizona Graduate College and the M.D./Master of Public Health with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Graduate medical education is administered through over 60 accredited residency and fellowship programs, many based at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. The college also participates in the WICHE program for regional medical education.

Research

Research is organized around interdisciplinary institutes, most notably the University of Arizona Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, and the Sarver Heart Center, a leader in cardiovascular research. The Arizona Center on Aging and the Steele Children's Research Center are also major research units. Investigators receive significant funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense. Key research strengths include translational research in precision medicine, neurodegenerative disease, bioengineering, and health disparities, often conducted in collaboration with the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy.

Affiliated hospitals and clinical sites

The primary adult teaching hospital is Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, a Level I trauma center and tertiary care facility. The Banner – University Medical Center South campus provides additional inpatient and emergency services. Pediatric care and education are centered at Banner Children's at Diamond Children's Medical Center. The college's faculty practice, Banner – University Medicine, operates numerous clinics throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona. Other major affiliates include the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System and the Tucson Medical Center, expanding training in community and VA settings.

Notable faculty and alumni

Prominent former faculty include cardiologist and former American Heart Association president Gordon A. Ewy, and pioneering immunologist and National Academy of Sciences member Janko Nikolich-Žugich. Notable alumni include former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, astronaut and physician Robert L. Satcher, and healthcare executive and former American Medical Association president Andrew W. Gurman. The college's alumni have made significant contributions in fields such as space medicine, health policy, and academic leadership at institutions like the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

Category:University of Arizona Category:Medical schools in Arizona Category:Educational institutions established in 1967 Category:Tucson, Arizona