University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Program

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix hosts a four-year categorical residency program in Neurology. This program is primarily based at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and is designed to provide a comprehensive training experience that emphasizes both clinical practice and research. The program aims to prepare residents to become skilled neurologists capable of managing patients with diverse neurologic conditions while also contributing to the educational development of their peers and the medical community.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum encompasses three years of clinical training, progressively increasing the level of patient care responsibility. Trainees engage in a combination of inpatient rotations and outpatient continuity clinics, enhanced by a structured didactic program. Notable components of the didactic curriculum include daily morning reports, teaching rounds, and various formal lectures in fields such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and clinical neurology.2 Journal clubs and morbidity and mortality conferences are integral to the training, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Clinical Rotations

Residents will complete rotations across three principal training sites, gaining extensive exposure to different healthcare settings. These include:

• Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
• Banner Desert Medical Center
• Phoenix Veteran's Administration Health Center

Each rotation focuses on a distinct aspect of neurology, including General Neurology Service, Stroke and Critical Care, Neurophysiology, Child Neurology, and Neurological Rehabilitation, among others. Residents will also have the opportunity to partake in elective rotations in specialized areas such as epileptic conditions, neuro-immunology, and sleep disorders.9

Training Sites

The primary training sites for the residency program include:

• Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix: A level 1 trauma center known for its extensive clinical services, including a dedicated neuro-ICU and stroke care facilities.
• Phoenix VA Health Care System: Offers a patient-centered approach with a focus on enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers.
• Banner Desert Medical Center: A facility that provides specialized care, including pediatric neurology at the adjacent Banner Cardon Children’s Medical Center.
• Banner Thunderbird Medical Center: Another level 1 trauma center that facilitates specialized training in pediatric neurology.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research in advancing medical knowledge in neurology. Residents are encouraged to initiate their research projects and benefit from the support provided by the program, which includes access to study coordinators and statistical assistance. Each resident is expected to formulate at least one research hypothesis during their training.10

Application Process and Competitiveness

The residency program accepts three categorical positions annually, beginning the application process in September. All applications must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Competitiveness for selection is notable, as the program is open to U.S. medical graduates along with DO and IMGs, although candidates must possess U.S. clinical experience to be considered.3 International medical graduates must also provide an ECFMG certificate as part of their application materials. The selection process is thorough, with strong candidates invited for in-person interviews.

Visa Support

The program offers sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international medical graduates, ensuring a supportive pathway for international applicants to participate in the residency program.8

Distinct Features

This residency program is unique in its integration with an academic medical center that employs an institute-driven model of care. This enables residents to experience multidisciplinary approaches to patient care, contributing to system-wide projects and clinical care path development. Furthermore, during their training, residents receive individualized attention from faculty mentors devoted to guiding their professional development and personal growth.7 The program also allows residents to attend national professional conferences and receive an annual educational book allowance, enhancing their learning experience.