Click each bulleted hyperlinked requirement for more details!
- Complete the curriculum: Canvas web modules on topics related to the care of under-resourced and marginalized people
- Complete a minimum of 10 modules on our Canvas page (enrolled Pathway scholars must log in with their UW NetID to complete all module requirements).
- The UP team coordinates learning opportunities (typically panel discussions) two to three times per year and attendance at these “live modules” — in real time — counts toward the ten required modules.
- UP scholars who coordinate virtual or hybrid learning opportunities related to health equity topics can submit the UP Event Credit Request Form to the UP team. If approved, attendees can receive UP module credit.
- While the UP faculty and staff collect detailed information about these events and make final decisions about granting credit for the UP, we do not have any role in developing or executing the content.
- UP scholars can count a maximum of 3 UP scholar-led events toward their 10 modules required for graduation with the pathway.
- Required for all students and prerequisite for other modules: Health in Context: Understanding Complex Systems Behind Health Inequities (formerly titled Who Are the Underserved?)
- Complete a minimum of 10 modules on our Canvas page (enrolled Pathway scholars must log in with their UW NetID to complete all module requirements).
- Maintain a mentorship relationship: longitudinal mentorship with an Underserved Pathway mentor
- Check in with your UP mentor every quarter until you graduate. Check-ins can occur in person, or via phone, web-based video conferencing, email, or text message.
- Students are responsible for identifying their UP mentor and scheduling check-ins.
- UP mentors are healthcare professionals who work with under-resourced populations or meet other mentor criteria.
- Be sure to check out the UP Guide to Mentorship and the UP Mentoring Roadmap for suggestions of topics to discuss at each check-in.
- Go deeper by conducting research related to root causes underlying health disparities or scholarly work related to health equity
- Complete an underserved-focus scholarly project
- III projects completed during RUOP, GHIP and Medical Student Addiction Research Training Program (MedStAR) automatically qualify — no pre-approval by the UP Team needed.
- If you are not participating in RUOP, GHIP, or MedStAR, there are many other options! Please see the page linked above for details on alternate projects and submitting a proposal.
- Complete a Foundations Phase clinical experience in an underserved setting
- Complete RUOP, GHIP, Primary Care Practicum (PCP) in an underserved setting, or a preclinical preceptorship in an underserved setting.
- If you plan to fulfill this requirement with your PCP, be sure to tell your PCP coordinator that you’d like to be placed in an underserved (urban or rural) setting to fulfill your Underserved Pathway requirement. This does not guarantee an underserved site.
- If you are not able to complete one of the aforementioned Foundations Phase experiences, please inquire with upath@uw.edu for an alternative way to fulfill this requirement.
- Expand your knowledge: non-clinical electives
- Complete two credits focusing on underserved populations, health equity, or health disparities issues.
- We recommend completing these credits during your 2nd or 3rd quarters of MS1 year.
- Click the link above for listing of courses that qualify for this requirement.
- If you are not able to complete these credits, please inquire with upath@uw.edu for an alternative way to fulfill this requirement.
- Get hands-on experience in clinical courses: clerkship rotations in Patient Care and Explore and Focus Phases
- Complete 20 credits (or 10 weeks) of clinical courses in underserved settings and/or serving vulnerable population(s). We recommend a combination of required and elective rotations.
- Applies to E-26 students and future classes. Previous requirement was 12 credits/6 weeks.
- All WRITE rotations count for Pathway credit. Click the link above for full listing of clinical sites that we count as underserved.
- Complete 20 credits (or 10 weeks) of clinical courses in underserved settings and/or serving vulnerable population(s). We recommend a combination of required and elective rotations.
- Health-related community service, advocacy, and engagement
- Complete 24 hours of volunteering in an underserved setting or to benefit underserved people.
- Must be related to health or health equity.
- Check out our resource list for opportunities around WWAMI
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact the Program Manager of the Underserved Pathway at upath@uw.edu for help!