College Welcomes New Health Professions Degree Programs

A message from Dean Hakim about the new School of Health Professions and Global Medicine

Dear MEZCOPH Alumni, Partners, and Colleagues,

As many of you have now seen, the University of Arizona has announced the integration of the College of Health Sciences (COHS) into our Zuckerman College of Public Health as the new School of Health Professions and Global Medicine, effective July 1, 2025. I want to take a moment to speak to you directly about what this change means for us.

The College of Health Sciences is home to several clinical degree programs that were recently launched to build the healthcare and health services workforce for Arizona. Those health professions programs, all graduate degree programs, include the Physical Therapy Program, the Physician Assistant Program, the Midwifery Program, the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, the Clinical Translational Sciences Program, and Health Sciences Design. All these programs will now be part of the School of Health Professions and Global Medicine under the Zuckerman College of Public Health.

This is an exciting and positive development for the college. The integration provides a unique opportunity that aligns well with our mission and values. It will enable us to expand our reach, strengthen our interdisciplinary work, and build new bridges between clinical education and public health education, research, and service.

The integration brings together two complementary areas – population and public health, and health professions training ­– under one umbrella, allowing us to create new partnerships and more effectively prepare the next generation of health care professionals. It also enhances our ability to pursue collaborative research, community outreach, and innovative models of education that address Arizona’s evolving health needs. Our name, the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, and our public health mission, will remain the same while our programs expand.

Between now and July 1, we will be working closely with the leadership of COHS and the University to implement a thoughtful and transparent transition. As the dean of the college, I will ensure that all integrated programs and students will be warmly welcomed to our MEZCOPH family.

If you have questions, please fill out this Qualtrics survey created to track all the questions about the Integration.
uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWOR1FA9SBe2IYu

Ultimately, this integration reflects the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing health and wellness for all. I have full confidence in our ability – as one united MEZCOPH community – to embrace this opportunity and emerge stronger than ever.

Thank you for your continued dedication, resilience, and commitment to our shared mission.

Warm regards,

Iman Hakim

Dean
Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health