At the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, we recognize that residents and fellows bring valuable lived experience, clinical insight and leadership to the learning environment. As you navigate the demands of advanced training, our office works to support your professional growth, sense of connection and engagement beyond the clinical setting.
Virtual GME Open House
Hosted by the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, this event welcomes fourth-year medical students to explore residency training opportunities at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Join us to:
- Connect with the OCEP and Graduate Medical Education teams
- Discover what makes the College of Medicine – Tucson a distinctive and dynamic place to train
- Engage with program leadership and current residents in your areas of interest
Second Look Event
Our Virtual Second Look event gives residency applicants another chance to explore life at the College of Medicine – Tucson and revisit the programs that interest them most. Typically held in late January, this session offers valuable insight into our clinical training environment, community partnerships, and what it’s like to live and learn in Tucson.
Meet with program directors, residents and campus leaders as you consider your next step in medical training.
Invitation from the Department
Departments across the College of Medicine – Tucson warmly invite prospective trainees to join us for Virtual Second Look to continue the conversation about your future in residency training. We look forward to connecting with you and answering your questions as you explore what makes our programs and community unique.
House Staff Council on Community Engagement
The House Staff Council on Community Engagement brings together resident and fellow physicians committed to service and meaningful partnership beyond the walls of the hospital. This council supports the recruitment and retention of trainees who are passionate about addressing health care needs across Arizona and creating a more community-responsive medical education environment.
Our Mission
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson House Staff Council on Community Engagement is dedicated to advancing community engagement and fostering meaningful partnerships across all affiliated residency and fellowship programs. In collaboration with the college’s Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, we are committed to achieving the following objectives:
- Support recruitment and retention of trainees and faculty dedicated to meeting the health care needs of our state.
- Raise awareness of local and national health challenges.
- Enhance care by engaging with our community to address community challenges and needs.
- Uplift trainee voices to foster a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Our HCCE Leaders
Medical Spanish Distinction Track
The GME Medical Spanish Distinction Track is a two-year advanced training opportunity for residents and fellows to enhance their medical Spanish skills and deepen their understanding of health care disparities affecting Spanish-speaking patients. This track supports the development of linguistically and culturally responsive care and builds leadership through peer education and community engagement.
Quotes from past participants
- “The Medical Spanish Distinction Track gave me more confidence speaking Spanish with my patients and encouraged me to complete the medical interpreter test — and pass!”
- “I loved my time in the program. I grew in my understanding of medical Spanish and became more comfortable speaking with patients.”
- “I think this is a very important program because it is focused on improving physicians’ ability to connect with patients.”
To get more information on the next application cycle, fill out this interest form.
Program Highlights
- Twice-monthly, hour-long sessions with a Spanish language instructor
- Curriculum is system-based, incorporating digital tools, clinical topics and peer presentations
- Attendance is required unless excused due to clinical duty conflicts
- Focused on intermediate to advanced Spanish speakers
- Participants co-facilitate one forum in Year 1 and one in Year 2
- Forums are open to faculty, residents, students and staff
- Topics address health disparities and equity in patient care
- Formats include guest speakers, panels, film screenings and interactive discussions
- Upon faculty approval, participants may take the ALTA Clinician Cultural and Linguistic Assessment (CCLA)
- One-time test is covered at no cost
- Participants must complete the exam within one month of faculty recommendation
- Successful completion leads to CCLA Certified Bilingual Provider status
- Self-paced online medical Spanish training modules
- Shown to improve fluency and clinical communication for health care professionals
- Open to residents in good standing after completion of PY1
- Applicants must demonstrate intermediate or higher Spanish proficiency
- Language skills will be evaluated prior to selection
- Certificate of participation in the Medical Spanish Distinction Track
- Eligibility for CCLA certification
- Expanded skill set in linguistically and culturally responsive care
- Leadership and peer education experience through Forum facilitation
Questions?
For more information, please contact com-engagement@arizona.edu