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Rural Pathway Program

Transitional education for the next generation of rural doctors.

Program Goals

  • Increase access to medical education and training for rural areas.
  • Develop future physicians based in rural areas.
  • Provide mentorship and resources to guide students to medical education.

Who Do We Serve?

  • Rural-dedicated college students and post-graduate professionals preparing for careers as physicians.

How Do We Do It?

  • The Rural Medicine Pathway program offers guidance, clinical exposure and academic support to strengthen medical school applications.
  • Our one-year curriculum, which features 11 monthly virtual seminars and one mandatory in-person clinical experience during the summer is designed to fit busy academics and professionals.
  • The program is intended for those aiming to serve communities with few medical resources.
  • Program selection is determined by competitive application.

Program Timeline

  • Academic year begins in August
  • Program application deadline: March 1
  • Rural Medicine Pathway program begins: June 1
  • In-person week of clinical shadowing in NW Missouri region during Summer Semester
  • Rural Medcine Pathway program events take place throughout the Summer, Fall, Spring and subsequent Summer Semsters
  • An optional second in-person week of clinical shadowing in the NW Missouri region takes place near the end of the program
  • Program ends on May 15 of the following calendar year

Visual representation of the Rural Medicine Pathway program timeline.

Program Benefits

Program curriculum and development opportunities

  • 11 virtual development seminars scheduled for compatibility with demanding schedules
  • Subsidized summer on-site clinical experience for all matriculants
  • AHA BLS and American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed Instructor Certifications
  • Preferred access to rural healthcare shadowing opportunities
  • Individualized peer support from a current medical student advisor
  • Address of local and regional service and volunteer initiatives
  • Certificate of program completion awarded

Additional benefits to students in good standing

  • No cost housing for Clinical Experience Week
  • Discounted MCAT preparation products with reimbursement for course costs
  • Reimbursement of primary and secondary application costs to UMKC medical program
  • Evaluation for an admissions interview with the UMKC School of Medicine

Who Can Apply?

  • Undergraduate students
    • Beginning sophomore Spring Semester through senior year
  • Post-graduates and professionals
    • Interested students may contact our Program Director, Kathleen Spears, for personal consultation on when to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the program is intended for any student or professional who is passionate and committed to rural medicine. Tell us about your connection to our mission in your essays.

No, high school students are not eligible for this program, but those interested in alternative learning opportunities in regional healthcare may contact the Northwest Missouri Area Health Education Center, a partner of UMKC School of Medicine and Mosaic Life Care.

Contact Dr. Spears to discuss your individual goals and timeline.

  • The Pathway program is designed to be compatible with full academic enrollments and professional work obligations
  • Virtual seminars are required once a month, with an estimated 3-4 additional hours of asynchronous work
  • Mandatory in-person requirements are limited, but Pathway students must arrange to attend a one-week clinical experience during the summer months
  • Additional in-person development and shadowing is available, but not required to maintain good standing in the program
  • The Pathway program does not offer courses for college credit, and will not impact the total enrolled credits for active students

Yes, post-graduate and professional students who meet the criteria are welcome to apply — because your timeline and credentials may be individualized, we encourage you to consult the program director for more information.

Out-of-state candidates are welcome to apply, but due to program funding requirements, qualified Missouri candidates will be given selection preference.

Ready to Apply?

Review application instructions