Medical Student Bridget Ralston Graduates Early to Address Physician Shortage During Coronavirus Pandemic
Fourth-year medical student Bridget Ralston will join the health profession early to help address the physician shortage during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Ralston has completed the requirements to graduate early from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
“There is a nationwide shortage of health care providers,” Ralston said. “This was true long before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Now, that shortage is even more keenly felt, as providers are struggling to manage the addition of coronavirus patients into their already heavy workload. I applied to graduate early so that I can shoulder some of the responsibility.”
Ralston said although she is not qualified to start taking shifts in an intensive care unit, she hopes to relieve some of the burden so that providers with more experience can focus on patients.
While Ralston’s family is appropriately concerned about her safety, they are proud she is joining the fight against COVID-19.
“I cannot believe that I am about to graduate from medical school,” Ralston said. “I do not think I will feel ‘officially graduated’ until our virtual ceremony in May. Knowing that I will be able to treat patients as of April 13 is bittersweet, as I have loved my medical school journey. While I am sad I am unable to celebrate this accomplishment with my family and friends, I know that I will be making a small difference immediately upon graduating.”
Starting from the first day of medical school four years ago, Ralston said, students were taught to practice with compassion and empathy, which she will carry through residency and in caring for future patients.
“Our teachers and mentors embody the same characteristics they encourage in students and are already doing their part to fight the pandemic,” Ralston said. “Graduating early seems like a natural step in my education and allows me to continue practicing the principles I was taught throughout medical school.”
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.