University of Arizona College of Medicine

Introduction

Authorization for establishment of the College of Medicine was granted in 1962 and the first class was initiated in 1967. The University Medical Center, completed in 1971, was expanded in 1994. The new Arizona Health Sciences Library and Learning Resource Center was completed in 1992.

Academics

4-year semimodern. First year: A 40-week period when the basic sciences are presented. Patient contact is provided and behavioral sciences are emphasized. Second year:A36-week period consisting of advanced basic science courses, behavioral sciences, and a continuation of the introduction to clinical sciences. Third year: A 48-week period when the clinical sciences are presented with at least 6 weeks of clerkships in each of the principal departments. Fourth year: A 33-week period for electives in the student’s career path. Biologic, cultural, psychosocial, economic, and sociologic concepts and data are provided in the core curriculum. Increasing emphasis is placed on problemsolving ability, beginning with initial instruction and carried through to graduation. Excellence in performance is encouraged and facilitated. Awareness of the milieuinwhichmedicineispracticedisalsoencouraged. The learning environment encompasses lectures, smallgroupinstruction,independentstudy,clinicalclerkships, practice in physical diagnosis, computer-based instruction, and a variety of other modes for the learner. The Patient Instructor Program in the second year uses a unique method of clinical instruction. Real patients are trained to help students fine-tune their physical examination and history-taking skills. Students receive immediate feedback on their performance from the patient instructors, which helps to develop and improve the skills needed during the clinical years. Students learn in various settings at the University Medical Center, and a variety of community inpatient and outpatient settings.

Unique Programs

Minority admissions: Disadvantaged, rural, and minority residents of Arizona are urged to apply for admission. Other degree programs: A combined MD-PhD program of study is also offered.

Admissions

Basic premedical science courses plus 2 semesters of English are required for admission. Applicants for both entering and transfer openings will be considered only fromArizona residents and certified and fundedWICHE applicants. Selection of candidates for admission is based on ability, motivation, maturity, integrity, interpersonal skills, and exposure to medicine. Transfer and advanced standing: Applicants must be matriculated in WHO-listed foreign medical schools, 2-year or 4-year U.S. LCME-accredited medical schools, or accredited schoolsofosteopathyandmusthavecompletedthebasic sciences. All applicants must take the USMLE.

Students

An Honors/Pass/Fail system is in operation. A written evaluation that characterizes specific student performance is also recorded with the Office of Student Affairs. The major criterion for promotion is that the student passes all required courses in the curriculum during each academic year. The student may repeat a course only once.Apassing score must be recorded for both Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE in order to graduate. Teaching: The Health Sciences Center complex is located adjacent to the university campus and consists of several interconnected buildings: Basic Science, Clinical Sciences, Outpatient Clinic, University Medical Center, Children’s Research Center, the Health Sciences Library, and Cancer Center. Other:Additional facilities used are the Tucson VA Hospital and Tucson and Phoenix hospitals. Library: The Health Sciences Center Library houses 176,000 volumes and 3600 medical journals. It is the only major biomedical library in the area. Housing: Some rooms are available for single students in the residence halls and for married students at the Family Housing Project.

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