Graduate Medical Education

Resident Engagement & Training for Underserved and Rural Needs

Our Mission

Resident Engagement & Training for Underserved and Rural Needs (RETURN) program aims to enhance the experiences and exposure of GME trainees to rural and underserved healthcare needs in Utah. We work to develop and expand partnerships between residency programs and community partner sites to provide 2-6 week rural/underserved rotations for trainees. RETURN is striving to have 50 residents on 50 rotations in the next few years. 

Our Vision

  • We improve access to quality healthcare for rural and underserved populations.
  • We co-create sustainable physician access through clinical and cultural exposure of GME trainees and position University of Utah Health as a national leader in community partnerships and rural GME.
  • We discover and enhance factors that increase the viability and diversity of rural physician practice models.
  • We accomplish this through rural awareness, clinical rotation experiences, rural residency program development, and grant support.

Our Initiatives

    Trainee Experiences

    "I was given a lot of autonomy, which helped me build confidence in my clinical decision-making, and I got to see some unique presentations of illnesses that also taught me a lot. It was a fun and rewarding experience, and I enjoyed working with both physicians and mid level providers at multiple sites."
    Dr. Tang, Pediatrics
    ​"I enjoyed the challenge and opportunity of leading resuscitations of neonates in a more independent way. I also had the opportunity to perform several in office procedures I had not been exposed to previously (ex. nexplanon placement and removal, Botox injections for migraine headache, IUD insertion/removal). I felt very much appreciated by both patients and colleagues which was motivating. Finally, our clinic hosted a “teddy bear clinic” for children to learn about in office vaccines, procedures, and tools in a fun setting with toys and Disney characters in an effort to assuage fears about coming to see the doctor. It was so cute!"
    Dr. Turnage, Pediatrics