While the UA and University Medical Center are two seemingly different worlds, they are very much a part of each other as well.

“”We’d say that UMC is affiliated with UA, but it’s a separate corporation. I don’t want to get into all the gory details of that, but we’re a primary teaching hospital for the colleges of medicine, nursing and pharmacy,”” said Katie Riley, public relations spokeswoman for University Medical Center.

Being ranked as one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation in a recently published study by U.S. News, UMC is also the only trauma center available anywhere in southern Arizona.

Established in 1971, UMC has become a leader in a variety of medical-related fields.

“”We specialize in trauma, of course, but we also specialize in organ transplantation, cancer, heart care and pediatrics,”” Riley said.

She also noted that UMC is busy adding on to its hospital.

“”You can see the construction as you drive down Campbell Avenue,”” Riley said, referring to the assembly of the Diamond Children’s Medical Center, which will reach completion in 2010 and will consist of the top three floors in the new building.

When in need, incoming freshmen and all UA students can be reassured that UMC is always available to assist them – their emergency room is open around the clock, as well as an urgent care center, which is the most likely place that students will be accessing, Riley explained.

Despite the fact that UMC is always eager to work with UA students, there are some ways in which the hospital would rather not interact with them.

Riley said among the most important pieces of information new students obtain, one should be heeding the cautionary tale of “”Don’t drink and drive.””

“”We see way too many students who are drinking too much,”” she said. “”And they end up in our emergency room.””

Because UMC is the UA’s primary teaching hospital, students in health-related fields often become acquainted with the center early on in their college careers.

“”They spend hours training in the hospital, and they’re taught by the same physicians who also practice at UMC,”” Riley said. “”The UA College of Medicine faculty doctors are taking care of patients and also teaching these guys.””

Besides regular training, UMC also offers numerous volunteer opportunities for those wanting to get involved in the medical process.

“”There are many volunteer opportunities for students, and many health students do volunteer at UMC,”” Riley said. “”Speaking of the medical college, the curriculum includes patient visits inside UMC from the very first month of medical school.””