University of Arizona Health Sciences

11/18/2025

11/15/2025

Today, the UAHS Office of Student Engagement and Career Advancement held a Flag Ceremony to honor veterans and active-duty service members.

The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors and Carlos Gonzales, MD, of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, offered a ceremonial Native American blessing.

We thank all who have served for their honor, courage and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

11/15/2025

Tina Teran knew being overweight could damage her health, but like many people, her attempts at dieting ultimately failed. A medical emergency put things in perspective. She was told she had Type 2 diabetes, which was the beginning of a journey to get her health under control.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to learn the risk factors for diabetes and understand how it might be affecting your health.

Read more about Tina’s journey with diabetes: https://bit.ly/4hpyeJC

11/14/2025

As the nation faces a growing nurse shortage, another crisis is emerging: there aren’t enough nursing educators to train the next generation. The College of Nursing is addressing this issue directly with its new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialty in Nursing Education Leadership and a post-...

11/14/2025

✨ FRONTERA SUMMER INTERNSHIP - STUDENT HIGHLIGHT ✨

Hi! My name is Raymond Alkakooz. I am a third-year student double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Global Health.

I aspire to be a physician for many reasons. From my journey from Iraq to Phoenix, to serving my community as a first responder, to seeing firsthand the health disparities that affect underserved populations, being a doctor has always been my calling. Witnessing the effects of gang violence, homelessness, and severe illness reinforced my duty to deliver the best care with empathy. Medicine, as a symbol, is incorruptible, enduring, and the purest form of human connection.

This is why I pursued both degrees—to become a more well-rounded provider with biological knowledge and cultural inclusiveness. It has been an honor to work under Tomas Nuño, PhD, at the Arizona Prevention Research Center and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Arizona. During the FRONTERA Summer Internship I researched quantitative and qualitative studies on HPV vaccine use, knowledge, and beliefs among U.S. southern border communities. I gained insights into vaccine hesitancy, cultural factors contributing to disparities, and how culturally tailored interventions can improve uptake.

My favorite part of the program was the clinical experience. I externed as a population health technician at El Rio Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center. I conducted outreach for overdue A1C and diabetes retinopathy patients, helped providers prepare for appointments, and coordinated follow-ups with other clinics.

A memorable includes receiving recognition from CDC scientific officer Rosalind Carter for my HPV research insights and participating in a clinic trip to deliver free medical care in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico, with students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson.

Apply for the 2026 FRONTERA Summer Internship. Application closes on February 20. https://bit.ly/4oxn3Ru

11/13/2025

Early diagnosis of Valley fever can make a difference.

Michael Bates, a U of A Athletics Hall of Famer and Olympian, is raising awareness about Valley fever after his personal battle with the disease. He encourages regular testing for earlier diagnosis and better outcome.

“Knowing what Valley fever is and recognizing its symptoms is everyone’s best defense,” says John Galgiani, MD, founding director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence.

A recent study by a University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, found that U of A scholarship athletes were four times more likely to be diagnosed with Valley fever than the general population, but also more likely to get tested.

Arizona is the only endemic state with a university center devoted to managing this disease. The Valley Fever Center for Excellence is working with its clinical partner, Banner Health, to test for Valley fever whenever possible.

Join us this Valley Fever Awareness Week in spreading awareness, supporting early detection and continued research. Learn more:

Athletes show us that everyone is susceptible to Valley fever, caused by a fungus that lurks in the dirt of the U.S. Southwest. But they also show us that knowledge is power, and that early diagnosis can make a difference.

11/13/2025

Inspired by her late aunt’s zest for life and cancer journey, Hope Wollen, a U of A Genetic Counseling graduate, knew she wanted to help patients navigate the complexities of genetic testing and health care decisions.

In honor of Genetic Counselor Awareness Day, we celebrate the genetic counselors who guide people of all ages in understanding how genetics can impact their health. Working alongside patients, they discuss the specific disease or condition and any applicable family history, as well as potential results and what those results mean for the patient and their family.

Learn more about Hope and being a genetic counselor: https://bit.ly/3WfS40g

11/13/2025

Tomorrow, we’ll keep moving forward together. Our next decade will leverage pioneering technologies to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

11/12/2025

What does an integrated model of education, research and patient care look like in action?

On the Arizona Board of Regents’ AZ Opportunity podcast, Regent Greg Brewster speaks with U of A Provost Patricia Prelock and Banner Health’s Dr. Ben Schwartz about how the University of Arizona-Banner Health partnership is expanding the health workforce, modernizing care and advancing clinical research statewide.

Listen to the full conversation: https://tinyurl.com/yxmnufw8

11/12/2025

Did you know there is a Campus Pantry North at the Health Sciences Library?

UA Campus Pantry offers important food staples at no cost to reduce food insecurity in our Wildcat community.

Pantry pick-up is available:
Thursdays
12:30 to 2:30 PM

Location: lower level of the Health Sciences Library, room 1152 (descend the stairs, take a right and another right).

FREE for all students, faculty and staff with a valid CatCard.

Link in bio to learn more.
https://bit.ly/3Jyx9Tr

11/11/2025

We pay tribute to the dedicated faculty, staff and students at who have selflessly served in the military. 🇺🇸

To these veterans and all in our community who have served, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your courage, commitment and sacrifice.

📍 Stop by the Health Sciences Innovation Building to see our Veterans Gallery.

11/10/2025

To meet Arizona’s growing health care needs, the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and Banner Health have partnered to expand Graduate Medical Education programs. This initiative adds 229 residency and fellowship positions, expands three programs in 2024, and launches 16 new programs by 2027. Through this more than 60% increase in specialty-trained physicians, the partnership is helping to strengthen the health care workforce and improve access to care across the state. More: https://bit.ly/3WIcO0R