Welcome from the Program Director
Welcome to the ACGME-accredited Orthopaedic Hand Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, located within our distinguished Level 1 Trauma Center. Our mission is to train exceptional hand surgeons who combine technical mastery, clinical acumen, and compassionate care to become leaders in hand and upper extremity surgery.
As a fellow, you will immerse yourself in a high-volume, dynamic practice that spans the full spectrum of hand and wrist pathology—from simple nail bed injuries to complex brachial plexus reconstructions. Our program, situated within a department boasting 20 residents and a wide array of subspecialties, including sports medicine, joint reconstruction, spine, and trauma, offers unparalleled exposure to diverse cases. You will manage high-complexity trauma, congenital anomalies, advanced reconstructive procedures, arthroscopy, peripheral nerve disorders, and microvascular surgery, including replantation and free tissue transfer. With a robust case volume and a diverse patient population, you will graduate with the confidence and expertise to excel in any clinical setting, whether academic or private practice.
Our fellowship is supported by a collaborative and highly experienced faculty, including nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeons and multidisciplinary partners in plastic and trauma surgery. Our team is deeply committed to mentorship, fostering an environment where fellows are challenged to refine their skills in the operating room, clinic, and research lab while being supported by a collegial, tight-knit orthopedic team that values teaching and collaboration with residents and fellows. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced surgical suites and simulation labs, provide the resources needed to perform even the most complex cases, ensuring you are fully prepared for independent practice upon completion.
Research is a cornerstone of our program. Fellows are encouraged to pursue clinical research, with opportunities to explore hand and wrist biomechanics, clinical outcomes, and innovations in microsurgical techniques. Support for presenting at regional and national meetings, along with collaboration with engineering and rehabilitation sciences, empowers fellows to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Beyond the operating room, our program emphasizes a balanced lifestyle. Tucson, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, offers an exceptional quality of life with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Renowned as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson boasts a vibrant culinary scene blending Native American, Mexican, and Southwestern flavors. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and climbing in stunning locales like Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and Mount Lemmon, all just minutes from campus. The city’s rich arts, music, and cultural festivals, combined with affordable living and a welcoming, diverse community, make Tucson an ideal place to thrive both professionally and personally.
As part of our program, fellows also benefit from a Veterans Affairs (VA) appointment, providing exposure to a unique patient population and further enriching your clinical experience. Our hospital’s comprehensive resources, coupled with a friendly and collaborative orthopedic team, create an environment where fellows can focus on growth while enjoying a supportive and fulfilling training experience.
We are committed to preparing you to be a confident, skilled, and compassionate hand surgeon, ready to lead with excellence. If you are driven to push the boundaries of hand surgery while training in a vibrant, supportive community, we invite you to join us.
Tolga Türker, MD
Professor of Orthopaedics – Hand & Wrist
Program Director, Orthopaedic Hand Fellowship
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson