Tracks

Tracks are competitive, optional, curricular programs, outside of the core curriculum, offered through the Department of Tracks & Special Programs. Tracks will appear on the student’s transcript as a Concentration. There is an application process for all Tracks. The educational objectives and contents of each Track are in addition to the required core curricula and are outlined in the Track syllabi. Students may apply to one or more of the tracks towards the end of their first semester. However, they can only participate in one track. If accepted into a track, students are expected to attend all track classes and related labs in addition to the core curriculum of RVUCOM.  

A student will stay in their chosen track through the duration of their education unless they withdraw voluntarily, are withdrawn due to violation of the track requirements, or are in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility as presented in the RVU Student Handbook and Catalog

Track applications for OMS I students open near the end of the fall semester. The tracks start in January of the OMS I year and follow the course of the student’s education.  

Tracks are graded on an Honor/Pass/Fail basis. Each track will have its own requirements for acceptance and what constitutes a Pass or Honor grade. Please refer to each specific track's syllabus for the grading requirements.

Track options may vary at each location.  Specific content will vary between tracks on different campuses, but the overall goals and objectives are the same.  Tracks may combine cross-campus and with other tracks when topic content is applicable.  Some tracks may also lead to Certificate Programs. Currently the Global Medical Track has a path to earn a Global Health Certificate by completing more rigorous requirements. Additional Certificate Programs for other tracks are currently being explored.

Academic Medicine and Leadership Track

With the expansion of medical schools and residency programs in the United States there is a growing demand for well-trained academic physicians who will lead in complex and diverse healthcare settings. There is also a need for talented leaders and educators in the osteopathic medical profession as it expands.

Students in this specialty track will learn about various, multi-faceted topics in medical education, organized medicine, health policy, diversity, health disparities, and leadership development. Students will receive training to be an effective public speaker, educator, health advocate, and physician leader. Contemporary health challenges require that leaders understand how to lead teams, understand diverse groups, build coalitions, and be attentive to communities.

Digital Health Track 

The Digital Health Track aims to provide an intensive survey, exposure and clinical education surrounding a multitude of aspects of digital health over two semesters, and into OMS years 3 and 4 which will have a clinical requirement. In total, this will include over 60+ hours of classroom/clinical activities. Our goal is to promote continuity and applicability of education for the students who have been accepted into the DH track program, successfully complete it, and ultimately integrate digital health knowledge into their GME training and health care careers. This track is designed for students who have a strong desire to become leaders in the forefront of this rapidly advancing, innovative approach to healthcare. 

Note: you do not need to know how to program or 'code' or have any prior experience in digital health to apply to this track.

Global Medicine Track 

The Global Medicine Track is for those students who have a strong desire to better serve the global community either locally or in an international capacity, whether employed or as a volunteer. This service may be in many areas such as medical care, research, or policy planning and assessment. This track provides a survey, exposure, and clinical education surrounding the multiple aspects of global medicine and public health with a focus on the underserved. It includes 60+ hours of learning over 2 semesters and includes clinical year requirements.   

As part of the unique educational opportunities offered in this track, students must be able to handle the extra workload and be willing to participate in off-campus activities, including required international travel. Students must also be aware of the extra costs associated with this track in order to complete the required international clerkships or other global-related options during their clinical years. These costs will vary depending on the length and type of activities chosen but could range from $3,000 to $10,000. 

Physician-Scientist Track

The Physician Scientist (PS) Track is an elective course that provides students with additional, specialized training in addition to the core curriculum. Students selected to be a part of the PS program have demonstrated high academic achievement and interest in research. RVU recognizes the importance of research in medicine and clinical practice and encourages both student and faculty involvement in scholarly endeavors - the PS program highlights RVU’s commitment to research within the COM.  

This course provides students with exposure to the scientific method and the many aspects of conducting independent research, exploring the key components at each step in the scientific process. The types of research highlighted in this course may include basic science, clinical, translational, and medical education research. The students in this track have a strong desire to understand what is required to be a successful principal investigator and may pursue supervised research during track time as part of their career development.  

This course will span three semesters of the students’ formal education (years 1 and 2), and will be extended to include research rotations during years 3 and 4.

Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track

The goals of the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track are to identify and foster student interest in eventual medical practice in rural settings. Participants will be given a robust education of procedural skills and clinical knowledge that will better prepare them for rural residency training and practice.  The track will also cover wilderness skills including responding to life and limb threatening emergencies. This training includes 60+ hours over 2 semesters utilizing didactics, labs, and various hands-on opportunities.  It also requires a minimum of 3 rural rotations in the clinical years.

To be considered for the program, students must demonstrate commitment to rural practice and be capable of handling the extra work load required by the track. Students in the Rural and Wilderness Track will be expected to participate in off-campus activities. During the clinical years, students will train with rural-based medical preceptors in offices, rural critical-access hospitals, or rural health clinics for a minimum of three clinical clerkships.

Urban Underserved Track
(Colorado Campus Location Only)

This two-semester enrichment track provides RVUCOM students with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to serve vulnerable and underserved populations with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Through seminars, discussions, and community engagement, students will explore systemic disparities and gain insight into populations such as American Indians/Alaska Natives, Immigrants, Refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing homelessness.

The course fosters a safe, open learning environment that encourages honest dialogue around health equity, systemic barriers, and advocacy. Students will engage with guest speakers, use reflective media, and engage in collaborative discussions. The track culminates in a final project focused on a selected vulnerable population and proposed strategies to address health disparities.

Topics may include maternal and child health, cultural competency, the opioid crisis, incarceration and healthcare, LGBTQ+ health, health insurance disparities, and the impact of gentrification. Clinical components will take place during the M3/M4 years. This track complements RVU's broader mission by promoting interprofessional collaboration with fields such as nursing, physician assistant studies, and patient navigation.