RUUTE Scholars Requirements
Requirements
The required criteria for achieving the RUUTE Scholars designation is listed below in each of the four areas of engagement: Academic, Community Engagement, Clinical Engagement, and Leadership Development
By applying to Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah as a RUUTE Scholar, you commit to participate in the following activities throughout your medical school career.
Academic
RUUTE Scholars are expected to engage in rigorous academic coursework, research, or hands on learning in rural communities. Academic engagement provides the opportunity for students to explore rural healthcare through the lens of academia. This requirement encourages RUUTE Scholars to demonstrate a commitment to scholarly inquiry, critical thinking, and academic achievement throughout their medical school journey in relation to RUUTE and rural/underserved medicine. RUUTE Scholars are required to pick one of the following
Community Engagement
Scholars are required and encouraged to participate in opportunities that highlight the importance of rural health and engage with rural and underserved communities in the intermountain west. Scholars will have the option to assist with direct pipeline activities in these areas through educational lessons taught to K-12 students, by researching community needs through our CEE program, or by becoming mentors for undergraduates interested in rural medicine.
Clinical Engagement
Clinical Engagement focuses on providing scholars with practical experience and exposure to clinical settings in rural/underserved areas of Utah and the intermountain west. Scholars are expected to participate in clinical experiences, shadowing opportunities, and longitudinal clinical exposures that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to the real world. This requirement ensures that scholars develop essential clinical skills, gain valuable insights into the daily activities of rural/underserved physicians, and are well-prepared for a future in medicine. Completing one rural clinical engagement experience is required of RUUTE Scholars.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development aims to cultivate future leaders who possess the skills, vision, and understanding to effect positive change in their communities and beyond. RUUTE Scholars are provided with opportunities to provide leadership, participate in networking, and learn from rural providers. This requirement provides RUUTE Scholars the opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities to be used throughout their career as a physician. RUUTE Scholars must select to participate in two of the following: