Preparing Tomorrow's Doctors for Success

If you're interested in one day being a physician serving in a rural community, you should know about the Scholars in Rural Health program offered by the KU School of Medicine.

KU has long been recognized as a national leader in the training of rural physicians, and to support that effort, the Scholars in Rural Health program introduces potential medical students to rural health care.

Apply for the program in the second semester of your sophomore year in college. If you're accepted to the program, complete its requirements and successfully graduate from your undergraduate institution, you'll be assured admission to the KU School of Medicine.

Program Activities

The Scholars in Rural Health program lets you discover the rewards and challenges of rural practice as a precursor to entry into medical school. Settings for the program vary to cover the variety of health care services in rural areas, including hospitals and office practices.

During your junior and senior undergraduate years, you will learn at the side of an assigned mentor in the region of your home community, for a total of 100 shadowing hours accumulated during four semesters and one summer. Scholars also participate in quarterly Pre-Medicine Academic Society Meetings, an initial orientation session and an annual meeting at the end of each spring semester.  Scholars complete a capstone project their final semester.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Kansas resident
• Significant experience living in a rural community (rural definition)
• ACT composite score of 24 or high school GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• College GPA greater than or equal to 3.25
• Premedical science GPA greater than or equal to 3.25
• Attained a minimum of sophomore standing and have two years of undergraduate education remaining
• Completed one academic year of college undergraduate biology and chemistry courses, as required of biology and chemistry majors, including lectures and associated laboratories
• Intention to practice medicine in rural Kansas
• Demonstrated evidence of the dedication and compassion necessary to be a competent and caring physician
• Stronger consideration will be given to first generation college attendees
• Stronger consideration will be given to applicants from health professional underserved areas

Selection Process

Submit application materials to the School of Medicine by June 10. We anticipate selected candidates will interview in early July. Accepted students begin the two-year program in August.

Program Requirements

Once accepted into the program, students must meet the following requirements for assured admission:

• Degree from an accredited college or university
• Fulfillment of KU School of Medicine prerequisites
• College GPA greater than or equal to 3.25
• Premedical science GPA greater than or equal to 3.25
• A satisfactory score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Satisfactory completion of shadowing hours and written assignments as well as participation in the orientation and annual meetings
• Uphold the high ethical and behavioral standards required of medical students and physicians
• Submit the Early Assurance AMCAS application to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Early assurance applicants are not allowed to apply to other medical schools. (Students who do not apply as early assurance are not assured admission.)

Application Timeline

For more information

Jason Edwards, M.Ed.
Director of Premedical Programs
University of Kansas School of Medicine
913-588-5280