RUUTE Staff

The RUUTE team supports medical students, community partners, and rural health initiatives across Utah and the Intermountain West.

Madelyn Carter, MPH, CPH

Title: RUUTE & Regional Affairs Interim Director

Madelyn joined RUUTE in 2020 and oversees rural outreach, student engagement programs, and regional partnerships. She works closely with medical students and rural providers to expand training opportunities across Utah and the Intermountain West.

Email: madelyn.carter@hsc.utah.edu

Kacey Madsen, MAEd

Title: Program Manager: Research, Extracurricular and Outreach

Kacey Madsen joined the RUUTE team in February 2022 and is originally from Salt Lake City with strong connections to Kanab and Big Water, Utah. She brings experience in K–12 education and helps lead RUUTE’s pipeline and research initiatives, including Little RUUTE, Undergraduate Ambassadors, SURE, the Medical Student Research Program, and RUUTE Scholars.

Email: Kacey.Madsen@hsc.utah.edu

Randy Hansen, MPH

Title: Rural Education and Outreach Program Manager

Randy served as a RUUTE Program Coordinator from 2019 to 2021 and later returned as the Rural Education and Outreach Program Manager. Originally from St. George, Utah, she works with medical students and community partners to coordinate the Community Engagement Experience (CEE) and Rural Outreach Program (ROP).

Email: Randy.Hansen@hsc.utah.edu

Heather VanOostendorp

Title: Clinical Experiences and Travel Specialist II

Heather joined RUUTE in January 2022 as the Travel & Clerkship Coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Utah and coordinates rural clerkships and student travel while supporting several RUUTE programs.

Email: heather.vano@hsc.utah.edu

Lucy Ballard

Title: Program Specialist

Lucy Ballard joined RUUTE in November 2025 and has worked with University of Utah Health since 2017. She brings a background in Applied Behavioral Analysis and over 18 years of teaching experience. Lucy oversees several RUUTE programs, including Undergraduate Ambassadors, SURE, Medical Student Research, and RUUTE Scholars.

Email: Lucy.Ballard@hsc.utah.edu