Advanced Dissection Topic (OMS III and OMS IV)
The Advanced Dissection Topic is an elective course that allows OMS III and OMS IV students to create a regional dissection to gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy and clinical topics associated with the chosen region. Students will schedule a four-week period to complete their dissections. No exam will be given, rather students will create a video lecture DSA for OMS I students, write a clinical/pathologic correlation paper and write 10 board-style questions focusing on the clinical anatomy of the specified region to be used on OMS I Written Exams. Students will schedule and deliver a formal presentation of their dissection, along with any clinical relevance, to the course faculty at the end of the four-week period. Prerequisites: Completion of all OMS III clinical clerkships.
Course is worth 2 Credits.
Elective Courses (Non-Clinical)
A selection of short electives may be offered at each site to interested RVU students. These electives may cover topics just touched upon in the normal curriculum and/or may involve current hot topics in medical training. Current electives are History of Medicine; Medical Spanish; Medicine in Film; Religion, Health & Healthcare; Vaccines; Introduction to the Research Process; Integrative Medical Nutrition; Intgegrative Pain Management. Other topics are in development and may be offered as well. All students in "Good Academic Standing" (as defined in the "Academic Policies" section of the RVU Student Handbook and Catalog) are eligible to sign up for offered electives. Course titles, descriptions, and registration information will be announced after the start of each semester. Classes will be approximately 8-16 hours in length, may occur at any time outside of the normal curriculum (i.e. evenings and weekends), and will be graded pass/fail. These electives are offered through the Tracks and Special Programs Department.
Elective options may vary by campus location and mode of delivery.
International Clerkships
Offered through the Department of Tracks and Special Programs. All third- and fourth-year RVUCOM students are encouraged to participate in at least one international clerkship. In fact, about 35% of each graduating class has completed some form of international medical training experience during their time spent at RVU.
This should be a two- to four-week excursion during their clinical years. Students may participate in one of the RVUCOM-sponsored trips, trips planned by an outside agency, or set up their own. All students must undergo an academic and site approval process, as well as complete a travel file with the Department of Tracks and Special Programs. There are detailed guidelines as to the process for participation outlined in the MyVista Student Portal, under the Tracks & Special Programs Department tab, section titled "Global Travel for ALL Students."
Military Medicine Program
The Military Medicine Program is for RVUCOM-CO and RVUCOM-SU students on a Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP) who are slated for service, active duty or reserves, with the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Students in the programs have acquired a service obligation of varying length to the branch of the military funding their education. On occasion, other RVU students who are a part of the National Guard or Military Reserve. Those considering military service or with prior military experience may be accepted into the program on a case by case consideration. Military program students should exhibit a high level of academic achievement and express a strong interest in becoming a medical officer in the United States military. This course provides an overview and introduction to military medicine with mentoring by retired senior enlisted, former, active duty and retired military officers.
The Military Medicine Program incorporates immersion-based hyper-reality training, surgical simulation, information sessions, and experiences related to Medical Corps Officer military obligations, leadership, discipline, harsh military environments, disaster medicine, evacuation, and triage in combat and civilian environments. Liaison with community members, national leaders, military officers at U.S. posts, bases, medical centers, hospitals, and others sites occurs in order to achieve the goals and objectives of this Program.
This Program spans a total of 3.5 years of the members’ core educational experience at RVUCOM-CO or RVUCOM-SU, beginning in the second semester of the first year.