Few residencies and fellowships in Arizona are driving medical school graduates out of state

PHOENIX — Twenty-seven Arizona graduates began medical school in Phoenix on Monday.

Creighton University held a white coat ceremony to welcome these future doctors. The future of our healthcare system is in the hands of the 120 students who are trying to make their way as doctors.

“I’m so excited. And also a little bit anxious, you know, it’s a big transition into something completely new,” said Alexis Johnson, a recent medical graduate from Phoenix.

Medicine runs deep in Johnson’s family; her father and grandfather are both doctors. She strives for global health, where healthcare meets social justice.

And while that takes her abroad, she also has strong roots in Phoenix.

“Honestly, I think that’s at the forefront of my mind to stay here. It’s my home,” Johnson said.

Only 30% of graduates ultimately stay in Arizona, even though the need for doctors and nurses is highest in the country.

According to the dean, the limited opportunities for further education after medical school are a major limiting factor for students who want to stay in the state.

“We are constantly talking to our legislative and governing bodies about the need to increase the number of student housing and scholarships so they can stay here,” said Dr. Randy Richardson, dean of the Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix Campus.

“I’m very open to doing a residency in Arizona. I think the biggest thing for me is just having a match,” Johnson said.

The good news is that even when students go to another state for residency, many come back here to stay. According to educators, it is up to hospitals here to create more options for students.

“There are enough hospitals, the question is do the hospitals want to have these types of programs in their hospitals. Some hospitals don’t want them. So we need to convince more hospitals to really embrace that and start having programs,” Richardson said.

“I know Creighton has a lot of good surgical programs and a lot of good oncology programs, so there’s definitely a good chance that I’ll stay here to continue my training,” said Jonathan Selway, a medical student from Massachusetts.