Greetings,
The 2021-2022 academic year began July 6 as we welcomed the largest and most diverse class of students in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s history. The Class of 2025 is comprised of 120 distinguished students, selected from more than 6,000 applicants.
Once again, our talented students placed in the top percentage of medical school applicants, with an MCAT, Science and Overall Grade Point Average above national averages. More than half of the class — or 61 percent — has at least one college-identified dimension of diversity. Many students were heavily recruited and entertained multiple acceptances to medical school. Each remarked that their choice to attend our college was based on a number of factors, including the innovative curriculum, the student-centric culture, the distributive model and the opportunities to participate in research.
This diversity milestone did not happen by chance; it was years in the making. It is the culmination of thousands of conscious decisions and enormous contributions made by faculty, staff, students, partners and alumni to create the culture of inclusive excellence dedicated to the service of others that distinguishes our college.
Our progress started when Francisco Lucio, JD, associate dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, joined the college four years ago and expanded the role of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI). Dean Lucio, the OEDI team and diversity committee members developed a strategic plan to enhance diversity. We continued to grow as an organization and individuals through the insights gained from the 12 Action Steps Toward Inclusive Excellence. These steps are foundational to our continued progress as we strive to understand and remove impediments that prevent everyone from achieving a life of full health potential.
Glen Fogerty, PhD, MBA, associate dean of Admissions and Recruitment articulated this well when he said, "Our college's longitudinal goal has been — and continues to be — training physicians who represent our community. Phoenix and other cities in Arizona are growing, and it is important to have physicians who reflect these communities.”
I am reminded of the intentional steps the college has made to examine and refine our ideals and processes. As we prepare the next generation of physicians to manage the science of medicine, we must also prepare them to manage the social aspects of medicine. We recognize the role the medical profession must serve in addressing the structural inequities that exist in our society.
I would like to express my gratitude to each of you for your contributions that enabled us to welcome the Class of 2025 to the college’s family. This is a monumental achievement. While much has been achieved, there is still more to do. I am grateful to work together with you to change health care, medicine and our communities for the better.
Sincerely,
Guy L. Reed, MD, MS
Dean and Valley of the Sun Professor
UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix