Welcome to the online portal for 2026 RUSCH Program applications!

The Rural and Urban Scholars in Community Health (RUSCH) program is a two-year longitudinal pre-medical pathway program designed to support students who are passionate about addressing health disparities and serving rural, urban, and tribal communities in Wisconsin. 

The program is open to undergraduate students enrolled at any campus within the Universities of Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River Falls, Stevens Point, Stout, Superior and Whitewater. 

Participation in the RUSCH program strengthens a student’s preparation for applying to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and its rural or urban training tracks – WARM (Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine) or TRIUMPH (Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health). The program is administered through the Office of Multicultural Affairs for Health Professions Learners at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH).

First generation college students, students from a medically underserved area, underrepresented backgrounds, or disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: Acceptance into the RUSCH program is not a guaranteed admission to SMPH’s medical school.

Program Structure

RUSCH is an in-person program. Summer internship placements are primarily in-person with limited opportunities for hybrid work.

The program consists of three phases and typically runs from the first week of June through the end of July. Participants are required to participate in all three phases to successfully complete the program.

• Phase 1: Summer One
  Students participate in an 8-week community health internship through the Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (AHEC) with a host site in Wisconsin. During the internship, they attend seminars on community and public health principles and practices, which may be held in-person or online, depending on the AHEC Regional Center.

Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation during the program.

• Phase 2: Academic Year Enrichment (AYE) Program
  After the first summer, students participate in virtual monthly enrichment activities during the academic year. These activities focus on developing AAMC core competencies and address key topics such as health equity and the social determinants of health, preparing students for success in medical school and beyond.

• Phase 3: Summer Two
  During the final summer of the RUSCH program, students participate in a 7-week research placement at UWSMPH. Students conduct research with a faculty mentor and may also take part in clinical healthcare experiences, professional development workshops, rural and urban health field trips, and MD program admissions advising.

Housing is available in UW residence halls for students who need it.

Eligibility Criteria

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA, refugee and asylee
• Enrolled undergraduate student at any campus within the Universities of Wisconsin system.
• At least sophomore standing and two years remaining before graduation
• Completion of introductory courses in English, Math, and 10 credits of biological sciences or chemistry courses, with a minimum “B’ in each course at the time of application.
• Minimum overall and science GPA of 3.0
• Desire to become a physician addressing health care needs in a medically underserved rural, urban, or tribal communities
• Demonstrated commitment to community service and an interest in public health
• Available to participate in the entire eight-week summer 2026 and 2027 programs

Application Requirements

Please complete each section of the application.

1. Personal Information Form
2. Upload your resume
3. Upload your written responses to four essay questions
4. Upload a 3-5 mins “Interview Video” responding to the prompts provided in the application
5. Upload an unofficial copy of your college transcript(s
6. Provide the names of two references (one academic, one personal*). After you’ve submitted contact information for your references, they will receive a Reference Form from SurveyMonkey Apply to complete.

* Personal references should be a professional individual who can speak to your character, work ethic, and commitment to medicine or service. They should not be a close family member or friend.

Please upload all documents in PDF format.

Extended Application Deadline: January 14, 2026, 11:59pm CST

Thank you for your interest in the RUSCH program!

Application FAQ:

• When will I know if I have been accepted?

  • Acceptance decisions will be made in early February.

• Can I work on my application intermittently?

  • You may work on your RUSCH application intermittently, as long as you save your work each time.

• Can I make edits to my application once it has been submitted?

  • Yes, as long as edits are completed and re-submitted prior to the application deadline. (Extended to January 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time)

• What do I do if my letter writer did not receive notification to submit my reference form?

  • Please contact Anna Litzkow (anna.litzkow@wisc.edu) for support.

• Who will have access to the information on my application?

  • Your application will be shared with RUSCH faculty and staff at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, as well as with partners and potential research mentors.

For questions or technical support regarding the RUSCH application process, please contact Anna Litzkow via email at anna.litzkow@wisc.edu.