Overview
It is now widely recognized that people around the world are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives—thanks to advances in preventive care, nutrition, and healthcare innovation. In the United States alone, an estimated 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day, a trend that will continue through 2030.
At the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, the Division of Geriatric Medicine is leading this transformation. Our mission is to deliver safe, age-friendly care while training physicians to become compassionate, forward-thinking leaders in geriatric medicine. We emphasize person-centered care, recognizing that chronological age is just a number—what truly matters is a patient’s functional status, goals, and values.
Our fellowship program is uniquely positioned to prepare clinicians for this future. Through advanced training, fellows learn to navigate the complexity of geriatric care, where treatment decisions often have long-term implications for a patient’s independence and quality of life. We teach the art of shared decision-making and holistic care, guided by the nationally recognized 4Ms framework: mentation, mobility, medications, and what matters.
A cornerstone of our clinical training is the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. This specialized unit is designed to provide interdisciplinary, age-friendly care for hospitalized older adults, focusing on minimizing functional decline and promoting safe transitions of care. Fellows gain hands-on experience in a model environment that exemplifies best practices in geriatric inpatient care.
Our fellowship serves the Sun Cities region—including Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand, and Sun City Fiesta—home to over 100,000 seniors and a rich network of care centers and community partnerships. Fellows engage directly with these communities, building relationships and gaining insights that extend far beyond the clinic.
For residents in internal medicine and family medicine, our fellowship offers more than just training—it’s a launchpad for a dynamic career in academic and community medicine. With the demand for geriatric-trained physicians projected to quadruple in the coming years, the career opportunities are vast and growing. Whether in academic centers, community practices, or health systems across urban and rural Arizona, our graduates are well-equipped to lead the future of elder care.
Join us in Phoenix—where the sun shines on possibility, and the future of geriatric medicine is being built today.
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