University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program offers a distinctive five-year combined residency in Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics. This unique dual-training path enables residents to become adept in both specialties, providing them with comprehensive clinical expertise and the ability to manage a diverse patient population1. Emphasizing an integrated approach, the curriculum is designed to cultivate proficiency in pediatric emergency medicine while fostering a balance between the urgent nature of emergency care and the continuity often seen in pediatric practice2. The program values a holistic application review process, encouraging candidates who demonstrate genuine passion for both specialties2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured over 60 months of training, with an equal distribution of 30 months each dedicated to Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics1. This integration ensures residents develop a seamless understanding of both disciplines. Rotations occur every 2-5 months, alternating between emergency and pediatric roles, thus minimizing experience gaps and promoting a continuous learning cycle1. Residents advance through specified rotations for each Post-Graduate Year (PGY), progressively building their knowledge and skills. The training culminates in an expertise level suitable for practice in pediatric emergency medicine4. The program efficiently combines required blocks for each specialty, reflecting a strategic balance that enhances dual-board readiness4.

Training Sites and Facilities

Residents train primarily at two state-of-the-art facilities: Banner – University Medical Center Tucson (BUMCT) and Banner – University Medical Center South (BUMCS).

• BUMCT serves as a Level I Trauma Center, hosting over 95,000 annual emergency department visits and featuring 91 treatment spaces, including 7 major resuscitation suites and a dedicated pediatric emergency department5.

• BUMCS, situated in a community hospital with an academic setting, oversees more than 51,000 emergency department visits annually, offering over 60 beds, high-acuity resuscitation rooms, and a secure psychiatric unit5.

These training environments provide residents a broad exposure to diverse clinical scenarios, from critical resuscitations to general pediatric care.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program accepts applications through the ERAS system, necessitating submission of key documents such as the Dean's letter, medical transcripts, three reference letters (including one SLOE or O-SLOE from an Emergency Physician, one from a Pediatrician, and one from the candidate’s choice), alongside USMLE or COMLEX scores for Parts I and II3. This highly competitive program conducts a holistic review of applications, focusing on the candidate's enthusiasm and proven interest in both Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics2. The selection process is discerning due to the limited number of available programs offering this combined expertise2.

Unique Program Features

A standout aspect of this program is its ability to maintain a distinct identity as 'EM&Peds' while facilitating integration into categorical emergency medicine and pediatrics programs2. Cultural traditions, such as gifting pink scrubs at the Halfway Party, enhance the educational journey, creating a supportive and inclusive community1. The program curates individualized study plans to support both dual-board preparation and career growth, without employing score cutoffs for application evaluation1.

Fellowship Opportunities

Graduates emerge with a broad, desirable skill set that places them at an advantage in numerous career paths, including adult and pediatric emergency departments, pediatric clinics, pediatric hospitalist positions, and roles in global health settings2. Although graduates are not eligible for Pediatric Emergency Medicine subspecialty board certification, they are poised to pursue fellowships in either pediatrics or emergency medicine, expanding their expertise and opportunities further2.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program recognizes the significance of resident wellness, offering an array of benefits designed to promote well-being and professional growth2. These include individualized study plans, access to question banks, and stipends for meals and education. Additional perks comprise free parking, scrub allowance, high-fidelity simulation training, opportunities to learn medical Spanish, as well as partial funding for attendance at national Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics conferences. Mental health services are readily available, reflecting the program's dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all residents.