New Leadership for UA Combined Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program

June 20, 2017

After 12  years of leadership as the program director of the University of Arizona Combined Emergency Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program, Dale Woolridge, MD, PhD, is handing over the residency director reins to Aaron Leetch, MD, the new program director-in-training, effective July 1. Dr. Woolridge will continue with the program by taking over Dr. Leetch’s role as associate program director of the UA Emergency Medicine Tucson Campus and Combined Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics Residencies to ensure a stable transition.

Dr. Leetch joined the emergency department in 2013 after graduating from the UA Combined Emergency Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program. He holds a dual appointment as assistant professor in the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics.

The UA Combined Emergency Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program is the largest of only four combined emergency medicine and pediatric programs in the country.

“It cannot be overstated how superb the vision, creativity and plain hard work put forth by Dale,” said Sam Keim, MD, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “His other academic pursuits, such as pediatric research and clinical care of assault victims, are offering great growth opportunities so we’ve made the decision to implement this transition now.”

“Congratulations to Dale on the incredible program he has constructed and developed.  This is the best pediatric emergency program in the country!”