Media Advisory: U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health to announce groundbreaking rural health partnership

Dec. 2, 2025

Media Advisory: U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health to announce groundbreaking rural health partnership

What: A new partnership between the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health will establish Arizona's first rural regional medical branch to help address the state's physician shortage.
When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
Where: Onvida Health Medical Education Center, 725 W. 32nd St., Yuma, AZ 85364

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health will announce a new partnership to launch Arizona's first rural regional medical school branch. Deeply rooted in community, the partnership will address the severe physician shortage facing the rural regions of the state.

In July, the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix will introduce a three-year Primary Care Accelerated Pathway leading to an M.D. degree, with clinical training based entirely at Onvida Health in Yuma. During the first three years of this partnership, up to 45 qualified students – 15 per year – from a competitive applicant pool who are committed to careers in primary care – internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics – will be admitted to the program and awarded full tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health.

Scheduled speakers at Thursday's event include:

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella
Onvida Health President and CEO Dr. Robert J. Trenschel
U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix Dean Dr. Fredric Wondisford
Onvida Medical Group President Dr. Kristina Diaz
Arizona Board of Regents Chair Doug Goodyear

# # #

Media contacts:
Thomas Kelly
U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix
Office: 602-827-2607 | Cell: 310-704-4468
tlkelly07@arizona.edu

Jenn Lotz Williams
Onvida Health
Office: 928-336-7595 | Cell: 504-376-3253
jwilliams4@onvidahealth.org

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.