Tribal Nation Hosts Nation's First Medical School Branch

A groundbreaking medical education initiative is set to commence in Arizona in 2027. The University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care (GRHC) are partnering to establish the nation's first MD-granting medical school branch situated on the lands of a sovereign Tribal Nation. This new campus, the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Regional Medical Branch in Sacaton, will focus on training physicians within a Tribal healthcare system.

Beginning July 2027, the program will welcome 10 students each year into an accelerated three-year MD-granting Primary Care Accelerated Program. GRHC will fund full tuition scholarships for these students. The curriculum involves 18 months of foundational education in Phoenix, followed by 18 months of clinical training within the Gila River healthcare system in Sacaton.

This partnership aims to combat physician shortages, particularly in rural and Tribal areas, which face significant unmet primary care needs. By offering full scholarships, the program seeks to reduce student debt and encourage physicians to practice in underserved communities. Research indicates that physicians often stay in the regions where they train, making this community-based approach crucial for developing a sustainable healthcare workforce. The initiative also anticipates encouraging more Native American students to pursue medical careers.