Our History
Rural Medicine Scholars builds on the University of Utah’s strong foundation training students for careers in rural and underserved communities.
Programs like the Rural and Underserved Utah Training Experience (RUUTE) and the Tribal, Rural, Urban Underserved Education (TRUE) program were developed to prepare medical students to practice in communities across Utah and the Intermountain West. Alongside these efforts, the Southern Utah Regional Medical Campus (SURMC) created a community-centered model for immersive, place-based medical education.
Rural Medicine Scholars brings these efforts together into one unified pathway. We carry forward the best parts while creating a more cohesive, longitudinal experience for students committed to rural primary care.
We are excited to launch Rural Medicine Scholars, marking an important step forward in how we support students pursuing careers in rural and underserved communities. This program creates a connected, longitudinal experience that brings together key experiences across the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Our goal is to foster strong clinical training, meaningful community connection, and long-term commitment to rural health in Utah and the Mountain West. We look forward to working alongside our students and partners to advance this mission of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
— Dr. Michelle Hofmann, Senior Associate Dean of Rural, Underserved and Regional Medical Education
The Student Experience
"I have found medical school to be very interesting and fulfilling, there are so many paths that one can take to make a difference. My involvement in the TRUE (Tribal, Rural, And Urban Underserved Education) program and as a scholar for both the Population Health and the RUUTE (Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience) program has allowed me to explore more of my interests. For my clerkship year, I elected to move back home and do most of my rotations back at home in Price. I have enjoyed being back home with my family and working with doctors that I grew up knowing in the community."
- Mason Rogers, Class of 2027
"Training in a geographically isolated hospital highlighted the importance of caring for patients as whole people—making plans that are not only medically sound, but also feasible and accessible given available resources. My preceptor was an exceptional surgeon and human who showed me that it is possible to be both deeply kind and highly respected in surgery. His approach to patient care and teaching has shaped the surgeon I hope to become, and he will be a lifelong mentor to me."
- Mack Tveit, Class of 2027
"Being able to come back to my hometown and care for my own community meant so much to me. I left this rotation feeling more inspired, more capable, and even more certain that rural medicine is where I belong."
- Abby Hamilton, Class of 2025
"This experience is great for anyone, even if you aren't interested in rural medicine! But you might be interested by the end of your immersion... It was an incredible opportunity to be involved in a rural community, learn hands-on skills 1-on-1 with a preceptor, and address a healthcare needs that you identify during your time there. Encounters that I had with patients helped expand my knowledge of rural medicine, practicing medicine with limited resources, and unique challenges that these communities face."
- Jared Badger, Class of 2027
"I’ve worked with a variety of providers at Cascade Medical Center – performing pap smears, freezing off warts, diagnosing choledocholithiasis, draining abscesses (stinky) and attending motorcycle traumas. Wildfires in the area mean we see plenty of firefighters with chainsaw lacerations and kids with asthma exacerbations. I feel grateful for such gracious and generous patients and providers in this community! On weekends I’ve enjoyed getting fresh air in the Seven Devils Mountains."
- Rachel Pernick, Class of 2027
"Working on the Wind River Indian Reservation, I have been gaining an understanding of the complex health and social issues that the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone people face. In clinic, we mostly see registered tribal members. Many of them work extremely hard, facing numerous barriers, and are only just able to get by. I have found it to be a privilege to learn about people’s lives here. I’m enjoying being back in my home state and spending time outside, including some service hours with Lander Search and Rescue."
- Evan Kirk, Class of 2027
"I feel like this experience has shown me how meaningful that kind of work can be. I’ve seen firsthand how important continuity is, especially in communities where access can be limited. It’s made me feel even more committed to serving those kinds of populations Long-term."
- Abel Chavez, Class of 2027
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