Overview

The Arizona Arthritis Center, a Center of Excellence at the University of Arizona, is a nationally recognized nonprofit institution that has been at the forefront of advances in arthritis research and care since the 1970s. The Arizona Arthritis Center functions within the dynamic network of the Arizona Health Sciences Center, recognized as one of the major healthcare facilities in the United States and on a broader scale, it is a part of the University of Arizona, one of the country's leading research institutions.

Center physicians provide clinical care to patients from across Arizona, the nation and from other countries. In addition to receiving excellent care, qualifying Center patients can apply to participate in break-through treatment studies that offer the best in medical consultation and follow-up.

Native American populations experience a significant increased incidence of arthritis than other populations. In response, Center physicians travel to Native American reservations across Arizona and provide clinics to treat arthritis many days throughout the year.

To best serve patients and efficiently utilize resources while conducting important research at the University, the Arizona Arthritis Center enjoys a close collaboration with many other University Health Sciences departments. Local and statewide collaborations are also the Center’s focus, including a partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, which continues to provide grant support for research projects, and work with the Arizona legislature to provide input on important arthritis issues and other health-related matters.

Additionally, the Center and world-renowned health spa, Canyon Ranch, collaborate to provide a program called “Thriving with Arthritis Week.” This special one-week program is offered every year at the luxurious resort to patients and their families who want to gain valuable knowledge and receive personalized treatments using integrative techniques to help manage the disease for greater comfort, joy and mobility.

The Arizona Arthritis Center is committed to education for patients, physicians, and allied health professionals. Weekly Grand Rounds offered by the AAC provide a comprehensive professional education program regarding arthritis and autoimmune disease that culminates annually in a full-day conference each November. Center faculty are invited to speak at professional meetings around the world and are published continually in professional journals.

Mission / Overview / Accomplishments / Building the AAC / Milestones