Established in 1997 by the Arizona Legislature, the program encourages medical school graduates to practice medicine in rural communities. Although Arizona has no shortage of physicians, they tend to practice in urban areas, as physicians do in other states. The UA College of Medicine always has sponsored opportunities for students to work in rural Arizona, however most have chosen to work in larger communities when their education was complete. These doctors are an impressive group, clearly dedicated to their communities and extremely generous to share their time with our students. Their commitment is making it possible for us to encourage students to seriously consider practicing in rural areas, fulfilling a great need in Arizona.
Rural medicine fosters a close physician-patient relationship.
It is ideal for people with a caring attitude and who have a desire for adventure. Hazzy grew up listening to his father's experiences working nights on a volunteer ambulance in rural Northern Massachusetts. After living and working on a farm in Marana and working as a technical support assistant in the UA Department of Psychology, he decided to pursue his growing interest in medicine and enroll in an emergency medical technician certification course. As I reflect over my past and present experience, I hope to express both my keen interest in a broad range of medical practice and my enjoyment of life in a rural setting. The Rural Health Professions Program will help me realize my goals of honing my medical skills while delivering health care to underserved people.