RUUTE Scholars Overview

The University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine combines innovative learning with excellence in research and clinical care. With the goal of serving our state, the healthcare profession including a growing and diverse patient population, and the Intermountain community and beyond, we believe our medical school is not only of Utah, but for Utah. This vision aligns with the opportunities within the School of Medicine where medical education “strives to emphasize community, relationships, and professionalism in the learning culture” through the Exceptional Education Experience (ELE).  

The RUUTE Scholars Program is just one way which SFESOM strives to serve Utah and the Intermountain West by facilitating a variety of experiences which prepare future doctors for the challenges for rural and underserved medicine. RUUTE accepts up to 20 matriculated medical students into the RUUTE Scholars Program each academic year. Students apply to the RUUTE Scholars program during their secondary application to the SFESOM.  

United by their passion for rural and underserved medicine, each cohort participates in a variety of rural experiences including research, outreach experiences, clinical engagement, and elective courses throughout all four years of medical school. Medical students who participate in longitudinal rural programs through medical school, such as RUUTE’s Community Engagement Experience (CEE) or rural clinical experiences, may be twice as likely to match into primary care specialties such as family medicine.