University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson Program

Surgery-General Analyst Verified · Sep 30, 2026

University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson Program

University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson Program is a residency program specializing in Surgery-General, located in Tucson, Arizona, directed by Iman Ghaderi, MD, MHPE, MSc and coordinated by Jessica Taylor. The program accepts applications through November 1, 2027. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (520) 626-7747. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

This is a five-year academic general surgery program built on a broad, high-volume clinical base spanning a Level I trauma tertiary academic center (Banner-UMC Tucson), a VA system, a community hospital (TMC), and unique rural/underserved rotations at Tuba City Regional Medical Center (serving Hopi, Navajo and Paiute communities) and Flagstaff Medical Center. The program is explicitly non-pyramidal, does not require a dedicated research year but structurally supports one (typically after PGY-3) for residents pursuing academic careers, including pathways toward a master's or PhD, while expecting all residents to engage in scholarly analysis and publication. Its stated flexibility is reflected in graduate outcomes split between competitive subspecialty fellowships, academic surgery, and private practice, with progressive autonomy culminating in chief residents managing three hospital services and 1,000+ career procedures. Distinctive features include an international PGY-4 elective, dedicated cadaver lab and FLS/SCORE-based simulation curriculum, and immersive rural/tribal health rotations that set it apart from urban-only academic programs.

Who it fits

An applicant with demonstrated interest in broad-based general surgical training across varied settings—academic tertiary, VA, community, rural, and underserved/tribal health—who values operative volume and flexibility over a narrowly research-heavy or subspecialty-locked trajectory.

Research intensity

Moderate - not required but structurally encouraged and supported, with optional extended research time and advanced-degree pathways for those pursuing academic careers.

Career orientation

Mixed - Fellowship, Community Practice, Academic Medicine

Important

Residents complete required rotations at Tuba City Regional Medical Center, an Indian Health Service facility serving Hopi, Navajo and Paiute tribal populations, and at Flagstaff Medical Center serving rural northern Arizona communities.

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