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Why Scorpions and Spiders May Linger Longer

Forecasts for a milder winter in southern Arizona this year due to a developing La Niña climate pattern mean many types of bugs will remain active longer. That prolongs the risk of scorpion stings and spider bites. Fortunately, most scorpions pose little threat to people, according to University of Arizona professor of emergency and internal medicine Anne-Michelle Ruha, MD, a toxicologist at the College of Medicine – Phoenix. "Only one is dangerous and that's the Arizona bark scorpion," Ruha said. "It's pretty easy to identify because it's the only one that climbs. More than 95% of people, regardless of the age, are going to be able to ride it out."

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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.