TMC Health Medical Education Program, Inc. (THMEP) Program

Specialty:Transitional year
ACGME Code:9990300006
NRMP Code:1014999P0
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

The TMC Health Medical Education Program, Inc. (THMEP) offers a comprehensive Transitional Year Residency in Tucson, Arizona, fostering a robust learning environment in partnership with Tucson Medical Center and the University of Arizona. Established in 1963, the program emphasizes graduate and continuing medical education, promoting medical excellence alongside compassionate care.

Program Overview

THMEP is focused on creating a nurturing atmosphere where residents can thrive as healthcare professionals. The program is designed to provide critical training for those beginning their medical careers or looking to enhance their expertise in diverse clinical settings.

Application Process

Applicants interested in the Transitional Year Residency must submit several essential documents through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required materials include the Dean’s letter (MSPE), medical school transcript, curriculum vitae, personal statement, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and three letters of recommendation. The residency typically offers six PGY-1 positions each year, with interviews conducted from October to January 2.

Visa Support

THMEP accepts applications from residents eligible for J-1 visa status, providing international medical graduates opportunities to train within the program 2.

Rotations and Curriculum

The curriculum in the Transitional Year Residency includes extensive rotations to ensure well-rounded clinical training. Residents experience a variety of clinical settings, participating in two to four-week rotations starting from June and encompassing various specialties.

Key training sites for rotations include:

  • Inpatient Medicine at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) and Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Hospital (VA)
  • Outpatient Medicine at multiple locations including TMCOne and El Rio Health

The residency schedule spans three years, detailed as follows:

  • Year One (PGY1): 9 weeks in Internal Medicine at TMC, 9 weeks at VA, and others focusing on Community Medicine, Critical Care, and electives.
  • Year Two (PGY2): Includes Internal Medicine rotations, Night Float, Critical Care, and specializations such as Cardiology and Rheumatology.
  • Year Three (PGY3): Expands into Critical Care and Electives, with residents having the opportunity to tailor clinical training to their interests 3.

Stipend and Benefits

Residents at THMEP receive a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes:

  • PGY 1: $64,061
  • PGY 2: $66,910
  • PGY 3: $70,367
  • Additional stipends for health insurance contributions, educational expenses, and meal allowances

Moreover, residents enjoy four weeks of paid time off each year, facilitating work-life balance and wellness 5.

Events and Conferences

The program encourages professional growth through various events, including:

  • Morning reports thrice weekly
  • Didactic sessions such as Grand Rounds and board review lectures

Such activities are designed to enhance medical knowledge and foster collaborative learning among residents and faculty 4.

Faculty and Support

The faculty at THMEP consists of experienced professionals from various medical specialties, dedicated to mentoring residents and providing hands-on training. Support staff assist in ensuring a seamless educational experience, fostering an environment conducive to both personal and professional development 6.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is known for its competitive nature; however, it is welcoming to DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) applicants and international medical graduates (IMGs). The specific requirements concerning the year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exams are not explicitly outlined but are typically aligned with common standards in competitive residency programs.

This commitment to diversity and inclusivity underlines the program's aim to attract dedicated individuals who are eager to contribute positively to the community.

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Program data

ACGME History [3]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation0
Full accreditation0
Continued27
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

13, 0, 0 (1 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: December 4, 2025)

Composition [2]

MD · 77%
DO · 23%

Training

Fellowship Rate:100% [2]

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:2.9X [1]

Residents Career Path [2]

Fellowship · 100%

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: No Limit [1]

First Year Paid Vacation: 28 days [1]

First Year Salary: $65,983 [1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 249–271 [2]

Visa Sponsorship:-- [2]

YOG Cutoff:1 [1]

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Incoming Schools

62%

University of Arizona College of Medicine

8%

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

8%

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

8%

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Match & stats

2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights

Signals

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed

Hometown State

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed

Medical School State

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed

Step 1 Fail

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed

Step 2 Fail

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed

Applicant Type

Number of Applicants
Number of Applicants Interviewed

Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.

USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]

COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]

Match History [4]

Track ID:  1014999P0
2020
13 of 13
2021
13 of 13
2022
13 of 13
2023
13 of 13
2024
13 of 13
2025
13 of 13
2026
11 of 11
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Roster

Location

Tucson, AZ [5]

Population
542,629
Median income
$77,719Below
Education
36.2%Above
Employment
60.6%Below
Health
7.9%Above
Age
33On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [6]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [7]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ is a diverse city with a population of approximately 550,000 residents. Here are some key aspects of living in Tucson:

Crime Rate and Safety

Tucson has a moderate crime rate. It's advisable to be cautious, especially in certain areas of the city.

Climate

Tucson has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for scorching temperatures in the summer months.

Activities

Tucson offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and exploring national parks like Saguaro National Park. The city also features cultural attractions and a vibrant art scene.

Races and Population

Tucson is a melting pot of diverse cultures and races, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions and events.

Education

Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, providing a thriving academic environment with opportunities for educational and cultural enrichment.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Tucson is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for residents looking for a more affordable lifestyle.

Proximity to other Cities

Tucson is approximately 1.5 hours away from Phoenix by car. Phoenix is a major city with a bustling urban center, offering additional amenities and entertainment options.

Pros

  • Affordable cost of living
  • diverse cultural scene
  • outdoor recreational opportunities.

Cons

  • Hot summers
  • moderate crime rate in some areas.

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References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/9990300006

2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/e2fbeb60-814c-72f0-c0d4-cdb3f17f4cef

3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US

6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr