Others will remember the trip down Interstate 19 to a Nogales church where children of all ages gather each month to be fitted with prosthetic limbs or to receive a much-needed wheelchair. There were long drives to high schools in rural areas of the state to provide young people with information about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and shorter trips within Tucson to treat the homeless. Promoting compassion and sensitivity is an inherent part of CUP and is important to its effectiveness. The program enhances these ideals as it provides hands-on training for future physicians. While students assist in the diagnosis and treatment, they als o learn the importance of prevention.
Students also get an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of primary care practice.
Compassion in patient care is the most important value students learn at the College of Medicine.