Abrazo Health recognized physicians completing the health network’s Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residencies on June 10. The Class of 2023 now enters the workforce to help meet a critical need for community physicians.
Ranking Arizona: Top 10 hospitals for 2023
Abrazo’s first class of Emergency Medicine residents were among the 2023 graduates. Abrazo Health launched its Emergency Medicine Residency in 2020 with six residents now completing their three-year program. Emergency Medicine residents trained in the Level I Trauma Canter at Abrazo West Campus as well as Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus and other network hospitals.
Class of 2023 graduation ceremonies also recognized the second graduating class of Abrazo Internal Medicine residents and the 42nd graduating class of Family Medicine residents.
“Arizona’s need for physicians is well documented and we are very proud of these residents. They will now go into the community as the next generation of physicians and healthcare leaders,” said Dr. Akil Loli, an interventional cardiologist and designated institutional official for Graduate Medical Education at Abrazo Health.
Abrazo Health began educating primary care physicians in 1978 through its Family Medicine residency at Abrazo Central Campus. Many of those physicians continue to practice in the Valley. Internal Medicine and General Surgery residences were added in 2019 at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, followed by Emergency Medicine and Transitional Year residencies in 2020. Cardiovascular Disease and Infectious Disease Fellowships were added in 2022 and 2023.
“It’s a big investment, but with big rewards, as research shows that upwards of 50 percent of residents establish roots in the communities where they are trained,” said Dr. Loli.
Abrazo’s residencies and fellowships are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Local physician leaders actively engage in developing curriculum with hands-on training to suit community needs while meeting high quality and patient safety standards.
Residencies play an important role in addressing the need for more physicians in the community, noted Abrazo Health Chief Medical Officer William Ellert, MD.
“Residency is a very important part of a young physician’s development, and it’s well-documented that residents tend to develop roots in communities where they train. It’s an investment in the future of healthcare in Arizona,” said Dr. Ellert.
Graduate Medical Education programs reflect Abrazo’s support of teaching and research in its hospitals across the greater Phoenix area.
“We currently have 109 residents and two fellows in training at Abrazo hospitals. It is important for Abrazo to help meet present and future needs for physicians in Arizona. As a Phoenix native whose father was a medical resident in this community, I fully understand the importance of investing in medical education,” added Abrazo Health CEO Brian Elisco. “I want to say congratulations to the entire graduating class of 2023, and thank you for entrusting us with your training.”
Graduate Medical Education at Abrazo Health
• Family Medicine Residency – established 1978
• Internal Medicine Residency – established 2019
• General Surgery Residency – established 2019
• Emergency Medicine Residency – established 2020
• Transitional Year Residency – established 2020
• Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship – established 2022
• Infectious Disease Fellowship – established 2023
For more information about Abrazo Health hospitals, take a free health risk assessment or to find a doctor, visit AbrazoHealth.com.
