About the Rural Reach Initiative
Our Mission
The Rural Health Initiative is dedicated to increasing awareness, access, and engagement in rural medicine by providing pre-medical students with meaningful shadowing opportunities in rural and underserved communities. About 15 percent of Utah’s population lives in rural areas, yet fewer than 8 percent of physicians practice there. As Utah’s population continues to grow beyond three million, maintaining adequate healthcare access in rural and underserved communities will require approximately 19 new physicians each year to replace retiring providers. Through early exposure and hands-on experiences, the initiative aims to help students understand the critical role rural physicians play in sustaining community health.
By reducing barriers to rural clinical exposure, the Rural Health Initiative empowers future physicians to explore careers in rural medicine, develop cultural and community awareness, and recognize the unique challenges and rewards of practicing in underserved settings. The program seeks to foster long-term commitment to equitable healthcare distribution while inspiring students to become advocates for rural populations and the healthcare systems that serve them.
Upcoming Shadowing Opportunities
Join the Experience
Engage directly with rural healthcare providers and gain meaningful exposure to the realities, challenges, and rewards of practicing medicine in rural communities.
Shadowing Tips & What to Expect
Learning Opportunities
Before your shadowing experience, review our Shadowing Tips and What to Expect section to prepare for rural clinical settings. This guide outlines expectations, professionalism standards, and helpful tips to ensure a respectful, educational, and meaningful experience for both students and providers.
Get in Touch
Sign up here for updates on upcoming opportunities, waitlist status changes, cancellations, and additional announcements.