How the U of A and Banner partnership continues to shape health care and Arizona's economy

A new video and economic report shed light on the statewide impact of the partnership between U of A and Banner Health.

As the academic medicine partnership between the University of Arizona and Banner Health enters its second decade, the institutions are reflecting on a 10-year collaboration that has benefited millions of patients and fueled Arizona's economy.

In a video posted by University of Arizona Health Sciences, Dr. Hesham Sadek, professor in the College of Medicine – Tucson, director of the Sarver Heart Center and chief of the Division of Cardiology, called Banner a strong partner and advocate, allowing physician-scientists like him to conduct life-saving research and pursue new treatments.

"Being a physician-scientist is truly a privilege," Sadek said. "There's not a dull moment. There's also not a non-stressful moment, but I think there's a lot of reward in perhaps one day seeing your work being able to change patients' lives."

In the video (below), Sadek discusses how his son's diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder helped him discover his passion for research.

In another recent video, part of the "Expert Insights" series, Dr. Dan Theodorescu, director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center and professor in the College of Medicine – Tucson, discussed the role of academic medicine in transforming health care.

An economic engine

The benefits of the partnership between the university and Banner Health have extended beyond public health and patient care. A new study by the Rounds Consulting Group shows the academic medicine program has been a major economic driver, delivering an estimated $59 billion in total economic impact to the state of Arizona.

"We are very proud of the impact our partnership with Banner Health has had over the past 10 years," said U of A President Suresh Garimella. "Academic medicine gives students hands-on experience at the cutting edge of healthcare, advances fundamental discovery and clinical research, and enables the best quality clinical care. Together, we're equipping future health leaders with the skills and adaptability they'll need to thrive in a rapidly evolving field and meeting the needs of patients in Arizona and beyond."

The study also found that the partnership has generated $2.8 billion in economic activity from medical graduates who have remained in Arizona and $2.2 billion in cumulative tax revenue for state, county and city governments.

Learn more about the partnership and its statewide impact in a story on the university's news website.