MD ID 6003 - Caring for the Underserved: Rural and Refugee Health in Utah

The Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience (RUUTE) program is excited for medical students to become more aware of the healthcare needs and experiences of underserved populations in the state of Utah, including refugees, and those living in rural communities throughout Utah. The “Caring for the Underserved: Rural and Refugee Health in Utah”course will help to illuminate the complexity and diversity of the people that reside in Utah, and the challenges and opportunities present in the care of these populations. The course is also designed to inspire future physicians to seek career opportunities within Utah, specifically outside of the Salt Lake City valley. The course will be divided into two halves, one focusing on refugee health and one focusing on rural health.The course will also help students: identify strengths, deficiencies, and limits in one's knowledge and expertise as it pertains tothe care of underserved populations in Utah; set learning and improvement goals; and identify and perform learning activities that address one's gaps in knowledge, skills, and/or attitudes.The medical students who participate in this elective will gain specific insight into healthcare differences within underserved areas and patient populations. Students will gain insight into the realities that many people within these communities face on a daily basis and will also gain an appreciation for what they have and witness the substantial schism between underserved areas compared to urban areas. Upon completion of the elective, students will have developed a broad understanding of underserved populations, specifically refugee and rural patients, and their health-related issues, challenges, and determinants and the culture of these communities.