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Tracks and Special Programs at Rocky Vista University

| Academics | Tracks and Special Programs | Physician-Scientist Track

PHYSICIAN-SCIENTIST TRACK

Not all tracks are available at all locations.

The Physician-Scientist Track is designed to provide curricular training to qualified and interested students and will enhance their opportunities to pursue careers in academic medicine. There is a recognized need to increase the number of physician-scientists in all clinical fields, as biomedical research competencies continue to be under-represented in osteopathic medical school curricula and training.

Participation in the Physician-Scientist Track will provide basic training in the knowledge and skills necessary for success as an academic physician, including research types (basic science, clinical, translational, educational, public health, etc.), experimental design, data analysis, the granting process, and proficiency in presentation skills. This track is designed to span 3.5 years of the core osteopathic medical education and will not extend the students’ academic program length. Students are required to present a poster or oral presentation at the College’s Annual Research Day, write a grant at the end of academic Year Two, and complete two research clerkships during academic Years Three and Four.

RESOURCES

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine has developed several specialized educational tracks and programs to further develop the education of interested students. These range from 3.5-year-long tracks to single-semester elective courses.

Student research/scholarly activity is a vital part of health provider education. Research enhances critical thinking skills and increases medical knowledge, as well as preparing students for graduate medical education. Therefore, all students are encouraged to participate in research activities while at RVU.

During their third and fourth years of medical school, students work on clinical externships, under the guidance of preceptors. RVU students have externships available to them through Colorado and the other Mountain West states.