FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

A.    How big is the program?

• The program has 118 residents.

B.    Why three hospitals?

• We rotate through private, government and public hospitals giving each resident the opportunity to experience four different practices. Nearly half (or more) of all graduates from university-based residency programs will eventually end up in private practice. We want to make sure each resident has a diversified training experience that will prepare them no matter where they end up practicing.
• The University setting provides a highly academic venue to see a very diverse patient population, particularly with very acute pathologies, requiring state-of-the-art interventions and therapeutics. The Tucson VA Medical Center (SAVAHCS) offers residents a chance to see and care for our nation's veterans, in a cosmetically beautiful campus. Arizona has a sizeable community of retirees, particularly in the winter, and many receive their care from the VA. This means excellent access to cardiovascular medicine, and exposure to a number of pulmonary and endocrine disorders. Tucson Medical Center (TMC) offers residents a chance to see what practice in the private setting is like.

C.    Where do graduates go after graduation?

• Graduates pursue a wide range of fellowships, from Cardiology (the most-matched fellowship) to Rheumatology and all fellowships in-between. Additionally, a number of graduates go on to practice as outpatient providers or hospitalists, depending on their preference. See most recent University of Arizona Fellowship Matches.

D.    What is the patient composition (i.e., Hispanic vs. Native American)?

• Patient Composition: Patients are all different ages and ethnicities/cultural backgrounds. Residents may see a college sophomore in their Continuity Clinic, followed by an 80-year-old former astronaut — as Tucson also is home to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (such is the broad diversity of exposure). With regard to race, 45-50% Latin, 35-40% Anglo, 10% Native American, 2-5% Asian, 2-5% African American.

E.    Who can I contact for more information?