"Growing a skilled and compassionate healthcare workforce in Southern Arizona."

About SAAHEC

Our mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in Southern Arizona by increasing the supply and distribution of skilled healthcare professionals caring for the region’s rural and medically underserved communities.

SAAHEC is one of six (6) regional Arizona Area Health Education Centers (AzAHEC) focused on developing integrated, sustainable health professions workforce education and pipeline programs throughout the state. We are committed to serving Cochise, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties

News & Updates

Research Summit Banner Image

Registration is Now Open!

We are thrilled to invite you to the 2025 Southwestern Primary Care Research & Innovation Summit on May 6-7, 2025!

This event is packed with high-impact continuing education sessions and the return of our in-person Poster Fair & Awards Competition!

Read More »

Our Programs

Click the tile icons below to learn more about each of our core program areas. 

Clinical Rotations

SAAHEC provides and coordinates opportunities for college and graduate students to train and serve in rural and medically underserved and under resourced urban communities.

Continuing Professional Development

SAAHEC supports, strengthens, and increases access to continuing education opportunities for practicing health professionals to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes.

Pathways to Health Careers

SAAHEC develops and supports programs that spark interest and inspire students from rural and historically underrepresented communities to explore careers in primary healthcare.

Clinical Rotations

SAAHEC provides and coordinates opportunities for college and graduate students to train and serve in rural and medically underserved and under-resourced urban communities.