Yuma, Arizona, December 8, 2025
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix has partnered with Onvida Health to launch Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch in Yuma. This innovative program aims to address the physician shortage in the state by offering an accelerated three-year pathway towards an M.D. degree. Starting in July, the program will admit up to 45 students, with full tuition scholarships funded by a $32.9 million investment. The initiative is designed to enhance healthcare access and retention of medical talent in rural communities.
Yuma Launches Arizona’s First Rural Medical School Branch
A new partnership aims to solve the physician shortage in Arizona
Yuma, Arizona – A significant milestone for healthcare education has unfolded in Yuma County as the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix teams up with Onvida Health to establish Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch. This innovative initiative responds proactively to the state’s pressing physician shortage, particularly in primary care fields, by offering a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree. The clinical training will be facilitated entirely at Onvida Health’s facilities in Yuma.
Launching in July, the program will accept up to 45 students over three years, with a strong emphasis on primary care disciplines, including internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics. In a remarkable commitment to future physicians, each student will benefit from a full tuition scholarship funded through a substantial $32.9 million investment from Onvida Health. The program is meticulously structured, beginning with 18 months of foundational sciences in Phoenix, followed by an immersive 18 months of clinical training in Yuma, which encompasses eight core specialties. This design is aimed at supporting up to 300 student rotations annually and encourages greater involvement from other University of Arizona colleges.
A Solution to Arizona’s Physician Shortage
Arizona is currently facing a significant shortage of primary care physicians, with an estimated need for approximately 500 more doctors to adequately meet healthcare demands. This partnership between Onvida Health and the University of Arizona reflects a united effort toward building a healthier tomorrow while addressing pressing healthcare challenges in underserved communities.
Financial Commitment and Community Impact
Onvida Health, previously known as Yuma Regional Medical Center, has established a solid track record as a clinical training affiliate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix for over a decade. The new financial commitment of $32.9 million over eight years not only funds the scholarships but also demonstrates Onvida Health’s unwavering dedication to enhancing healthcare access in rural communities. By bridging the gap between medical education and practical training, this partnership is poised to yield a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in Yuma County.
Enhancing Local Healthcare Quality
With the new regional branch, Onvida Health aims to fortify quality healthcare access for generations to come, integrating medical education directly into the community. This thoughtful collaboration is a prime example of how private investments can serve as a catalyst for local innovation and elevate healthcare standards. By nurturing future physicians in their local environment, the program is expected to encourage retention of medical talent in Yuma, thereby enriching the local healthcare ecosystem.
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 partnered to establish Arizona’s first rural regional medical school branch in Yuma County. This initiative aims to address the state’s physician shortage by offering a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree, with clinical training based entirely at Onvida Health in Yuma.
How many students will be admitted to the program?
The program will admit up to 45 students over three years, focusing on primary care specialties such as internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics.
Who is funding the tuition scholarships?
Each student will receive a full tuition scholarship funded by Onvida Health, which is committing $32.9 million over eight years to support the scholarships and the development of the Yuma regional branch.
What is the duration and structure of the program?
The program spans three years. The first 18 months are dedicated to foundational sciences in Phoenix, followed by 18 months of clinical training in Yuma across eight core specialties. The program is designed to support up to 300 rotations annually, providing opportunities for other University of Arizona colleges to participate.
Why is this partnership important for Arizona?
Arizona faces a significant shortage of primary care physicians, with approximately 500 additional doctors needed to meet current healthcare demands. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier tomorrow and addressing the growing need for primary care physicians in underserved communities.
Key Features of the Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Primary Care Accelerated Pathway |
| Location | Yuma County, Arizona |
| Duration | Three years |
| Student Intake | Up to 45 students over three years |
| Tuition Scholarships | Full tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health |
| Clinical Training Sites | Onvida Health facilities in Yuma |
| Program Capacity | Supports up to 300 rotations annually |
| Investment | $32.9 million over eight years by Onvida Health |
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