Application Process and Optional Enrichment Elective Requirements
“The Rural Health Scholars program was one of the reasons that I chose to attend UMASS. I have always known that I will end up settling down and practicing in a rural area. It is where I am happiest. It has been great to meet people who feel the same way.”
-Rachel, UMMS '08 
 
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Application process
Students interested in pursuing Rural Health Scholars as an optional enrichment elective should complete an application as they enter medical or nursing school. They are notified of their acceptance within the first month of school. Students may apply, however, at any time during their schooling.
Click here for application.
Requirements (nursing student)
TBD
Requirements (medical student)
Attendance at 75% of the seminars during the first two years of medical school; during the second two years of medical school, attend at least one seminar in each year OR submit a written summary of one rural clerkship.
Have at least one experience—clinical or preclinical—in a rural/small town community. This could be the community health clerkship during Year One, the family medicine clerkship during Year Three, an elective (4 weeks) or senior scholars project or summer experience.
Keep a journal, recording experiences and reflections regarding practice in a rural/small town community during one preclinical or clinical clerkship or rotation; submit journal to faculty advisors at the end of that experience.
At the end of the year, students participate in an evaluation of the year’s programming and development. This has helped the program shape opportunities so that they are consistent with students’ assessments of their needs regarding support and exposure to practice in rural and/or small town communities.