The University of Arizona College of Medicine’s Phoenix campus and Gila River Health Care launched the first MD-granting medical school branch on tribal land this week. The inaugural class will begin their studies next year.
Officials say future graduates of the school will help fill in the shortage of doctors in rural and Indigenous communities across Arizona.
According to a statement from the UA, “the Association of American Medical Colleges projects the United States could face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, with Tribal and rural communities expected to be among those most affected.”
The Phoenix medical school and Gila River’s tribally operated healthcare system (GRHC) have worked together for years to train students and residents.
GRHC will fully fund the 10 students who are admitted each year, who will be on an accelerated three-year track. The system will contribute $25 million through 2034 toward those scholarships, educational infrastructure and faculty positions.
Michele Halyard, a member of the Arizona Board of Regents, addressed the need for this new program in an announcement video.
“We know, nationally, there is a big shortage of physicians. Rural and tribal communities really experience our healthcare workforce shortage even to a greater extent,” she said.
The new branch is located in Sacaton, the capital of the Gila River Indian Community.
“Rather than expanding medical education solely through large academic medical centers, the Regional Medical Branch places students within a community-based healthcare system, where they will learn by caring for patients and working alongside physicians serving Native communities every day,” a statement from the UA reads.
On Tuesday, Gila River Governor Stephen Roe Lewis cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside UA President Suresh Garimella at the Gila River Resort and Casino in Chandler
“Healthcare means vibrancy, means survival, means resilience. This partnership…nothing short of historic,” Lewis said.
There are 22 federally recognized tribal nations in Arizona. Tucson is home to the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui.
