Overview

The Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is driven by a clear mission “to deliver safe, age-friendly care while inspiring and training exemplary physicians and leaders who are deeply committed to the health and dignity of older adults”.

In close collaboration with Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and our surrounding communities, we aspire to be a trusted, world-class leader in geriatric care. Our vision is rooted in excellence—excellence in personalized medical education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pioneering translational research that advances the science and practice of aging well.

As the demographic landscape shifts, with older adults projected to outnumber children under 18 by 2035, the need for age-friendly health systems has never been more critical. Our division is at the forefront of this transformation, preparing healthcare professionals to meet the unique and complex needs of aging populations with compassion, innovation, and expertise.

We embrace a person-centered, holistic approach to care, guided by the nationally recognized 4Ms framework: mentation, mobility, medications, and what matters. This model informs every aspect of our work, ensuring that older adults receive thoughtful, coordinated care that respects their values and enhances their quality of life across all settings and transitions.

Geriatric medicine is not confined to one specialty—it is a lens through which we view all aspects of healthcare. Our team collaborates across disciplines, integrating geriatric principles into trauma surgery, advanced cardiac care, oncology, and the management of complex medical and surgical conditions. We believe that age-friendly care should be embedded throughout the healthcare system.

Innovation is at the heart of our mission. We are proud to lead efforts in education, interdisciplinary research, and the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Through dynamic partnerships across the University of Arizona, we are developing new tools and strategies to solve complex problems and advance the field of geriatric medicine.

Together, we are shaping a future where older adults receive the care they deserve—care that is safe, respectful, and deeply attuned to what matters most.

This is an extension of the Age-friendly Health System Initiative at the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA).