The Hand, Upper Extremity and Microsurgery Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix attracts orthopaedic and plastic surgeons from across the United States and Canada who seek comprehensive training in hand surgery, upper extremity surgery, and microsurgery. Our fellows represent diverse educational backgrounds and career goals, with graduates pursuing successful careers in academic medicine, private practice, and hybrid practice models.
A defining strength of our program is the breadth of faculty expertise. Fellows train alongside eight fellowship-trained surgeons whose collective experience spans hand and wrist surgery, microsurgery, peripheral nerve surgery, pediatric and congenital hand surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, orthopaedic trauma, and musculoskeletal oncology. This multidisciplinary approach provides exposure to a broad spectrum of pathology that is rarely available within a single fellowship program.
Our curriculum combines training at a Level I trauma center, a major pediatric referral hospital, ambulatory surgery centers, and high-volume community and specialty practices throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Fellows gain experience in acute trauma, microvascular reconstruction, elective hand surgery, pediatric hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and upper extremity reconstruction through a carefully structured and flexible rotation schedule.
Because each fellow enters training with unique experiences and professional goals, we emphasize individualized mentorship and flexibility. Faculty work collaboratively to ensure fellows develop technical proficiency, surgical judgment, and confidence across all aspects of hand and upper extremity care while allowing opportunities to pursue particular areas of interest.
Although our program is relatively young, we have established a culture centered on collaboration, innovation, and fellow success. Located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the fellowship offers exceptional clinical training, diverse pathology, and abundant opportunities for professional development. Our goal is simple: to graduate highly skilled hand surgeons prepared to excel in any practice environment.