News Summary
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix has partnered with Onvida Health to create Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch. Set to begin in July 2026, this initiative will focus on training primary care physicians to serve underserved areas. The program includes a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree, with full tuition scholarships provided by Onvida Health. This partnership seeks to address the critical physician shortage in Arizona, especially in rural communities.
Yuma, Arizona – The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health have announced a pioneering partnership to establish Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch, aiming to address the state’s critical physician shortage.
Partnership Details
Beginning in July 2026, the collaboration will introduce a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree, with clinical training based entirely at Onvida Health in Yuma County. The program is designed to train future primary care physicians committed to practicing in underserved areas, with students receiving full tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health. Over the first three years, up to 45 qualified students—15 per year—will be admitted to the program. Each cohort will complete the first eighteen months of the curriculum, focusing on foundational sciences, in Phoenix, followed by eighteen months at the Yuma branch for clinical training across eight core specialties. The program will also create opportunities for other U of A colleges to rotate at the site, with capacity to support up to 300 rotations annually. Onvida Health is committing $32.9 million over eight years to fund the full-tuition scholarships and support the development of the Yuma regional branch of the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix, ensuring the program’s sustainability and reinforcing Onvida Health’s dedication to community-centered care.
Addressing Arizona’s Physician Shortage
Arizona currently meets only 35.4% of its primary care physician needs, requiring 493 full-time equivalent physicians to eliminate 212 shortage areas across all 15 counties. By 2030, Arizona will need nearly 2,000 additional primary care physicians to meet growing health care demands. This partnership aims to alleviate the shortage by training physicians within the communities they will serve, thereby increasing the likelihood of them practicing in rural and underserved areas.
Background Context
The U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix has a longstanding commitment to rural health initiatives. The Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) offers medical students opportunities to engage in rural clinical settings, preparing them for the unique challenges of rural medical practice. Additionally, the college has expanded its rural health community rotations across the state and as far as Alaska, providing residents with diverse experiences in underserved communities. This new partnership with Onvida Health represents a significant step forward in addressing the physician shortage in Arizona’s rural communities, combining educational innovation with community investment to enhance healthcare access and quality statewide.
Key Features of the Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | July 2026 |
| Program Duration | Three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway |
| Location | Onvida Health in Yuma County, Arizona |
| Student Enrollment | Up to 45 students over three years (15 per year) |
| Tuition Support | Full tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health |
| Clinical Training | First 18 months in Phoenix; next 18 months in Yuma for clinical training across eight core specialties |
| Program Capacity | Up to 300 rotations annually |
| Investment | $32.9 million over eight years from Onvida Health |
This partnership not only reflects a commitment to training future healthcare leaders but also fosters a sense of community impact by focusing on primary care in underserved areas. As Arizona continues to face challenges related to healthcare access, the establishment of this rural medical branch represents a proactive approach to cultivating qualified medical professionals and improving health outcomes statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new partnership between the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health?
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health have announced a pioneering partnership to establish Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch, aiming to address the state’s critical physician shortage.
When will the new medical program begin?
Beginning in July 2026, the collaboration will introduce a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree, with clinical training based entirely at Onvida Health in Yuma County.
How many students will be admitted to the program?
Over the first three years, up to 45 qualified students—15 per year—will be admitted to the program.
What financial support is provided to students?
Students will receive full tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health.
How does this partnership address Arizona’s physician shortage?
Arizona currently meets only 35.4% of its primary care physician needs, requiring 493 full-time equivalent physicians to eliminate 212 shortage areas across all 15 counties. By 2030, Arizona will need nearly 2,000 additional primary care physicians to meet growing health care demands. This partnership aims to alleviate the shortage by training physicians within the communities they will serve, thereby increasing the likelihood of them practicing in rural and underserved areas.
What is the Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP)?
The U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix has a longstanding commitment to rural health initiatives. The Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) offers medical students opportunities to engage in rural clinical settings, preparing them for the unique challenges of rural medical practice. Additionally, the college has expanded its rural health community rotations across the state and as far as Alaska, providing residents with diverse experiences in underserved communities.
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