University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

Overview of the Neurosurgery Residency Program

The Neurosurgery Residency Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson offers a comprehensive seven-year training curriculum designed to equip residents with a wide-ranging skill set. The program provides full-spectrum neurosurgical education, including key subspecialties such as oncology, skull base, functional, vascular, spine, and minimally invasive procedures.

Curriculum Breakdown

The residency is organized into distinct years, each focusing on specific competencies and training:

• Year 1 (NS-1): Residents focus on acquiring fundamental clinical skills, especially in inpatient neurosurgical care at the Banner University Medical Center - Tucson Campus.
• Year 2 (NS-2): This year involves 11 months of clinical training, including a rotation through the surgical ICU, neurosurgery, clinical neurology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology.
• Year 3 (NS-3): Residents train primarily at the Southern Arizona VA Medical Center, focusing on spine, pain, and functional neurosurgery.
• Year 4 (NS-4): Continued emphasis on vascular, pediatric, and spinal neurosurgery, residents remain at Banner University Medical Center for their clinical training.
• Year 5 (NS-5): A dedicated year for basic and clinical neurosurgical research opportunities, supplemented with elective rotations as agreed with the Program Director.
• Year 6 (NS-6): Chief Residency training, where residents take on primary responsibility for clinical and administrative duties.
• Year 7 (NS-7): This completion year allows for a transition to practice with potential elective subspecialty fellowship opportunities.

Clinical Training Sites

Residents in the program benefit from training at multiple prestigious institutions, which include:

• Banner University Medical Center-Tucson
• Banner University Medical Center - North Campus
• Southern Arizona Veteran’s Administration Health Care System
• University of Arizona College of Medicine

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the residency, with active encouragement for participants to engage in various ongoing projects. Residents are supported with funding to attend national and subspecialty meetings, allowing for the dissemination of their research findings and integration into the broader neurosurgical community.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the residency, candidates must participate in the National Residency Matching Program and the Electronic Resident Application Service (ERAS). The program is highly competitive, accepting only one resident per year, and is friendly towards DO and IMG applicants.

The program sponsors J-1 visa applicants only, ensuring the necessary support for international candidates.3

Support for Residents

A unique aspect of the University of Arizona Neurosurgery Residency Program is the robust support structure. Residents enjoy contact with senior levels of faculty and receive inclusion in diverse operative case assignments.

Quality of Life and Community

The program prides itself on maintaining a balanced professional and personal life. There is a focus on developing individual strengths and interests, complemented by a strong sense of camaraderie among residents and faculty.