Resident life in Tucson is very rewarding both within and apart from the residency. Residents meet weekly in the department to discuss resident issues and to socialize, and a journal club is held monthly to review and discuss interesting articles. Many trainees choose to participate in a voluntary weekly group psychotherapy experience offered by the department, and they regard it as a rewarding, insightful experience.

"The faculty are all very knowledgeable and approachable. They are easy to talk to and are very interested in teaching and academics."

"Call is front loaded, so by the time you reach the fourth year, you have no 24 hour calls."

Outside of the hospital, a monthly movie night gives trainees the opportunity to socialize over food and film. In addition to these experiences, there are many opportunities to interact with psychiatry residents and trainees from other local programs including The University of Arizona/UPHK Graduate Medical Education Consortium’s Community Psychiatry program and the University of Arizona’s Neuropsychology Internship. Shared experiences include several didactic seminars and informal outings outside of work.

"One of the best parts of this residency is the people in it! I love my colleagues and the support we provide each other. Residency can be tough, so connecting with those around you is important for well being."

Twenty-two working days' vacation and a night float system with no “short call” ensures residents have time to read, socialize, enjoy family life, and develop interests outside of psychiatry. An average of 286 sunny days per year ensures good weather on most days off, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities surrounding Tucson.

"Take a deep breath, you are home - that's the first thought that comes to mind when I think about my program. The educational experience and opportunities complimented by the support of faculty, staff and classmates makes the four years of residency an enriching experience."

For those interested in sports, pick up and tournament basketball is a tradition in the department. Hiking and biking trails are prevalent in the area, and local outdoor activities include art festivals, music festivals, an All Soul’s Day celebration, and El Tour de Tucson when bikers from many nations descend on Tucson to race around the Old Pueblo.

"Almost all of the faculty have an open door policy."

"The cafe downstairs has awesome ice cream and nachos!"

Psychiatry residents at the University of Arizona culture well-rounded lifestyles and lifelong friendships while getting a great education, which is why residents from our program are in great demand locally and nationally by hospitals and communities seeking psychiatrists and by superior fellowship programs.

"I had the chance to meet a lot of the great faculty and staff of this residency program during my third and fourth year of medical school, which made it very easy to make it my #1 for the match. Looking back at my choice, I have absolutely no regrets. This program is all I thought it would be, with good lectures, grand rounds, very knowledgeable attendings, very caring program director and coordinator and so much more..."

"I was born in Tucson, Arizona and later raised in California.  I was particularly drawn to the nuanced field of psychiatry ‚Äì it seemed like a perfect blend of the humanities and science.  When making a decision about different programs I felt that Tucson, and the University of Arizona, were natural fits for me.  When I interviewed at the University of Arizona, all of the residents were noticeably happy.  I was also drawn to the abundance of rock climbing and outdoor activity in the area, and having moved from Napa, I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide culinary variety in Tucson.  I am pleased to be part of a program that is small and well-run with such a diverse group of people in an inspiring setting."