Message from the Directors
Welcome! The most enjoyable part of our jobs as Program Directors is working with enthusiastic young students over the course of their six to eight years of training in the combined degree program here at UACOM-T. Our job is made easier by the outstanding caliber of students who come to UArizona and the exceptional clinical and basic science faculty who teach and mentor them. The main goal of the program is to support the educational needs and career development of the students to the best of our ability. We are very proud of the culture and family that we actively enrich within the MD-PhD program.
We believe that the MD-PhD Program at UACOM-T provides excellent and impactful dual-degree training while giving students the opportunities to grow as both individuals and independent physician-scientists. At UArizona, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and immense support from faculty and staff across the University. At the same time, we hope to challenge you to excel and develop areas of interest and passion throughout the duration of your time in Tucson.
Thank you for your interest in our program and feel free to reach out to us on the "Contact Us" page with any questions.
Regards,
Drs. Todd Vanderah Ph.D. & Hossein Ardehali MD, Ph.D.
UACOM-T MSTP Co-Directors
Message from Current Students
Hello, and thank you for your interest in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson MD/PhD Program (UACOM-T MSTP). We hope this website offers a meaningful glimpse into what our program has to offer.
As senior students, we can wholeheartedly say that choosing UACOM-T was one of the best decisions we’ve made. What truly sets this program apart is its sense of community—we are more than a program; we are a family. Our students, faculty, and leadership foster an environment that is supportive, collaborative, and deeply invested in each trainee’s success both personally and professionally.
We take pride in cultivating a diverse and dynamic group of students who are united by a shared passion for discovery, service, and leadership. MSTP students at UACOM-T are actively engaged across the College of Medicine and Graduate College, contributing meaningfully to initiatives in education, research, and community outreach while upholding our institution’s strong tradition of care and innovation.
Our program provides rigorous clinical training alongside access to a broad range of research opportunities spanning nearly every field of interest. Whether your passion lies in basic science, translational research, or population health, you will find the mentorship and resources needed to thrive. Graduates leave our program exceptionally well prepared for the next chapter of their careers as physician-scientists.
A defining strength of our MSTP is our student-driven committee structure, which empowers trainees to have a meaningful voice in shaping the program. From curriculum input to community-building initiatives, students are active partners in program development. We are especially grateful for leadership that is approachable, responsive, and genuinely committed to listening to and supporting student needs at every stage of training.
We truly believe there is no better place to train to become a physician-scientist, and we are proud to be part of the next generation of leaders in medicine and research. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the UACOM-T MSTP community.
Warmly,
Kayleigh B. Fox & Alex Miller
UACOM-T MSTP Executive Committee