Students in the program complete their Foothills clinical core year in a rural Colorado community. To prepare for this experience, students are invited to participate in an orientation the summer before school starts. During the Plains preclinical curriculum, a variety of lectures, labs, and workshops are held several times a month that will help interpret and bring a rural focus to what students are learning in their regular courses. In the Alpine Ascent phase of the curriculum there will be additional opportunities for participation in rural-focused courses​.

​Similar to the larger CUSOM curriculum, students will participate in a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) model during the Foothills curriculum. Students in the Rural Program spend the year at dispersed sites in one rural Colorado community or several neighboring towns. Each site typically has one or two learners, so our students have extensive opportunities for hands-on experiences and participation in procedures. Students receive considerable one-on-one teaching and mentorship and have an active role in patient care. Those who are self-directed, highly motivated, and community-oriented are best suited for the Rural Program.​

The program accepts up to 20 students per class. Students are typically selected prior to matriculation. 

Applicants who wish to be considered for the Rural Program submit an additional essay on the Colorado secondary application that addresses the following components: a description of your personal rural experience, ties to Colorado (if any), how the Rural Program’s goals match your personal and career goals, your primary care experience, and your commitment to fully participate in the curriculum.   

Applicants who are invited to interview at the School of Medicine and submitted an essay for the Rural Program will be invited to meet with a member of the leadership team to discuss their background and interests. Once admitted to the School of Medicine, acceptance to the Rural Program will be offered on a rolling basis until all slots are filled (usually mid-April).  ​

The sites are located in various regions of Colorado and vary in population size and services. Students have the opportunity to rank their preferences, but placement decisions are made based on fit and availability of sites.

Many students in the Rural Program qualify for various scholarships offered by the School of Medicine in the areas of diversity and equity, leadership, and commitment to primary care. The Rural Program has strong links with communities that are recruiting for new physicians and some of those​ communities offer scholarships and loan repayments to students who commit to future practice there.​

• CUSOM Rural Program Overview for 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle
  

Ry Hemond (they/them), Admissions Pro-Rep, Class of 2026
Ry.Hemond@cuanschutz.edu 

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