America's first MD branch on tribal land to open in Arizona in 2027 with full scholarships
The University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care are partnering to open the first MD-granting medical school branch on tribal land in 2027. The program aims to address physician shortages in underserved communities by offering full scholarships to students who commit to the three-year primary care track.
Why it matters
This initiative represents a significant step in addressing healthcare disparities and physician shortages within rural and Tribal communities in the United States.
A new chapter in medical education is set to begin in Arizona in 2027, with the University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care (GRHC), the Gila River Indian Community’s tribally operated healthcare system, announcing a long-term partnership to establish the nation’s first MD-granting medical school branch on the lands of a sovereign Tribal Nation.The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Regional Medical Branch in Sacaton, Arizona, will train future physicians within a Tribal healthcare system while aiming to improve access to care in Tribal, rural and medically underserved communities.Beginning in July 2027, 10 students will be admitted each year to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s three-year MD-granting Primary Care Accelerated Program at the Gila River Branch.
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