What You Should Know:
– The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health are partnering to launch Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch in Yuma County, targeting the state’s severe physician shortage.
– The initiative, backed by a $32.9M commitment from Onvida Health, will feature a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree. The program aims to train future primary care physicians who are committed to practicing in underserved areas, with students receiving full tuition scholarships.
UArizona and Onvida Health Attack Physician Shortages Where They Start
The crisis facing American healthcare is not just about costs; it’s about access. Nearly 70% of communities designated as Primary Medical Health Professional Shortage Areas by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are in rural areas. Arizona, in particular, needs approximately 500 additional physicians to meet current demands. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health are confronting this challenge directly by announcing the launch of Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch in Yuma County. This unique partnership builds on a decade-long clinical training affiliation.
“Meeting the need for qualified health care professionals in rural communities is paramount for the state’s future,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella.
$32.9M Investment in Community Health
The initiative is underpinned by a massive commitment: Onvida Health is investing $32.9 million over eight years to fund the full-tuition scholarships and support the development of the Yuma regional branch.
This financial commitment is designed to do more than just attract talent; it’s an investment in the long-term health and vitality of the community.
“By bringing medical education directly into Yuma County, we’re not just training physicians, we’re investing in the long-term health and vitality of our community – strengthening access to high-quality care for generations to come,” said Dr. Robert J. Trenschel, president and CEO of Onvida Health.
The Primary Care Accelerated Pathway
Beginning in July, the College of Medicine – Phoenix will introduce a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree. This highly focused program targets competitive applicants committed to careers in primary care: internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics.
- Scholarship Incentives: Up to 15 qualified students per year—45 over the first three years—will be admitted and awarded full tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health.
- Curriculum Structure: Students will spend the first 18 months on foundational sciences in Phoenix, followed by 18 months of intensive clinical training based entirely at the Yuma branch.
- Clinical Immersion: The Yuma site will offer clinical training across eight core specialties and has the capacity to support up to 300 rotations annually.
