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Welcome To Our Institution!

The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Office of Access, Community and Belonging welcomes you!  

At the University College of Medicine - Tucson, we believe that Inclusive Excellence is fundamental to the advancement of science and education, an equitable work environment, and for providing the best care possible to our patients and their families. We consider a wide range of life experiences as part of diversity, including rural heritage, economic background, sexual orientation, age, disability and ability, and culture and belief systems. We support the active recruitment, training, and retention of a medical and research workforce that reflects the demographics of Arizona and is prepared to meet the academic, research, and clinical care needs of diverse communities within our state and beyond.  The Office of Access, Community, and Belonging seeks to engage all students, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff in creating a robust, innovative academic environment that welcomes, celebrates, and supports everyone. Our office collaborates with administrative units throughout the College of Medicine - Tucson, including Admissions, Student Affairs, Medical Student Education, Graduate Medical Education, and Faculty Affairs as well as multiple affinity groups to meet the needs of our constituents and build the pipeline into health-related careers.

Whether you are a visitor, alumni, prospective or current student, resident/fellow, faculty, or staff, we invite you to take a closer look at our institution. You will find a group committed to enhancing the climate to produce professionals who are prepared to address the healthcare needs of our community through patient care and research.

Sincerely,

Celia Valenzuela, MD

Vice Dean for Access, Community, and Belonging
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

 

Spotlight on Diversity


Individual Profiles


Dr Irving Kron, Senior Associate Vice President of UA Health Sciences

I am from an underprivileged background despite my appearance. I get economic issues and how they affect ones education.

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Irving Kron, MD

Roberto Swazo, MD

As a 3rd generation Puerto Rican American, I pride myself in being able to be an example to the Latino community, and always strive to advocate for members of that same community. The strength that I bring to the table is that of adaptability; because of my life experiences, I’ve been fortunate enough to form a personality that is malleable and allows me to create immediate personal connections with people.

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Violet Perez Siwik, MD

I grew up in a large Hispanic family who faced socioeconomic, educational and health disparities. From these barriers I have gained strength in advocating for others in similar situations and ensuring that I emphasize a si se puede perspective to those who face obstacles of feeling less than or onliness.

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Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion important to your department?

The Department serves a very diverse undergraduate and graduate student population.  Many Physiology and Medical Science majors are first in the family college attendees. 


Working with diverse and underserved populations has been a key tenet of our residency program since the early 1970s. In the past decade, we have refined our understanding of diversity and inclusion and continue to grow in this understanding and our actions to live out this core value.


Upcoming ODEI Events

3
Dec
First Generation and Low-Income MedCats Dinner & Panel

This networking event is hosted in collaboration with the Office of Access, Community, and Belonging. Our panel of faculty, residents, and fellows...


ANAMS Student Video Project: Pass The Stethoscope!

In honor of Native American Heritage Month (November 2020), our office worked with COMT students, faculty and residents from ANAMS (Association of Native American Medical Students) to complete a video project on #passthestethoscope.