Dean's State of the College Spotlights 2025's Achievements
As 2025 comes to a close, Dean Fred Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, held a State of the College to share the momentous accomplishments the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix attained over the past year.
From the recent announcement of the groundbreaking U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix Yuma Branch in collaboration with Onvida Health; to the incredible successes of the college's students, faculty and researchers; to the dramatic increase in research funding received by the college, 2025 proved to be a banner year. But it is truly just the beginning.
With the college embarking on its new Five-Year Strategic Plan, Dean Wondisford outlined how the college plans to push its initiatives — Leading Medicine in Phoenix, Powered by Partnership, Driving Discovery, Distinctly Arizona and Fueling Our Future — forward, propelling the college's mission to inspire and train exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders to optimize health and health care in Arizona and beyond.
"We did our Strategic Plan differently; we did it through a lot of engagement with you in this audience," Dean Wondisford said. He stressed that point because of the importance he felt in the college knowing that its future is not only defined by its leaders but by people throughout the organization.
He also invited those in attendance to explore these milestones, as well as the overall impact of the college in the inaugural Annual Report. Chronicling fiscal year 2024–2025, the expansive report showcases important research discoveries and breakthroughs; spotlights the joy of Match Day, Convocation and White Coat; celebrates the exceptional teaching of the college's faculty; introduces new educational and department leaders; and so much more.
Now, heading into 2026, the college is poised to continue its work toward ensuring a healthier tomorrow for all Arizonans.
Highlights from 2025
Groundbreaking Metabolism Research Receives $6.8 Million in Funding
About the College
Founded in 2007, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix inspires and trains exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders to advance its core missions in education, research, clinical care and service to communities across Arizona. The college’s strength lies in our collaborations and partnerships with clinical affiliates, community organizations and industry sponsors. With our primary affiliate, Banner Health, we are recognized as the premier academic medical center in Phoenix. As an anchor institution of the Phoenix Bioscience Core, the college is home to signature research programs in neurosciences, cardiopulmonary diseases, immunology, informatics and metabolism. These focus areas uniquely position us to drive biomedical research and bolster economic development in the region.
As an urban institution with strong roots in rural and tribal health, the college has graduated more than 1,000 physicians and matriculates 130 students each year. Greater than 60% of matriculating students are from Arizona and many continue training at our GME sponsored residency programs, ultimately pursuing local academic and community-based opportunities. While our traditional four-year program continues to thrive, we will launch our recently approved accelerated three-year medical student curriculum with exclusive focus on primary care. This program is designed to further enhance workforce retention needs across Arizona.
The college has embarked on our strategic plan for 2025 to 2030. Learn more.