Students will work in the practice of their rural preceptors several times throughout their medical educations, learning about both the challenges and the gratification of rural practice. The College of Medicine, along with sponsors that include physician specialty professional organizations and other organizations concerned with the provision of health care to rural and other underserved populations, will arrange for and support students' housing and travel costs, as well as provide a small scholarship. This exciting new program was initiated with the medical student class entering in 1996. During the summer between the first and second year of medical school, students may participate in the Summer Externship Program. They will be matched with physicians who will sponsor the students' placement in their practices for a period of four to six weeks.
Placements are available across the state and with physicians in a variety of specialty areas.
Started in 1979 by a medical student who had returned from an international medical experience, CUP has a long history of providing students with clinical and teaching opportunities working with medically underserved populations. Following extensive orientations, students can participate in any of the CUP programs. Participation in CUP helps students learn about community service, and enables the students to enhance their clinical and teaching skills. Students learn through this work, the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare, the impact of culture on health, and learn about different value systems. Medical students, under the supervision of a volunteer attending physician, administer and staff a weekly medical clinic for refugees, primarily from Central America.