Related News
White Coat Profile: Trevon Brooks
Monday, July 14, 2025
White Coat Profile: Olivia Holman
Friday, July 11, 2025
White Coat Profile: Michelle Sheikh
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
Medical Student Veronica So Graduates Early to Serve the State During Coronavirus Pandemic
Fourth-year medical student Veronica So has completed the requirements to graduate early from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and will begin serving the Phoenix community during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
She decided to apply for early graduation so she can be available as soon as Arizona and Nashville need her, she said.
“I had already fulfilled the graduation requirements, and graduating in April would afford me the opportunity to be present wherever I am needed,” So said.
So is volunteering at a local hotline, where she helps field questions from the public concerned about their coronavirus symptoms. She also has attended workshops on how to properly wear personal protective equipment.
“There are many options available,” she said. “I plan to help in as many ways as I can before my residency begins.”
So said her family supported her decision and understands the need for younger physicians to be ready to head into the workforce.
“I am genuinely excited to be able to give back to the community and aid in a time of need,” she said. “While I am anxious to start residency and move forward with my training, I am thankful that I received a great education from my medical school, which has equipped me with the skills I may use in the face of this pandemic.”
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.