The required curriculum at the University of Washington School of Medicine is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in medicine. Recognizing many students' desire to work with underserved populations, the School has created three Pathways that offer students the opportunity to pursue their interest and develop knowledge and skills specifically tailored to working with vulnerable populations here and abroad:  The Indian Health Pathway, the Global Health Pathway, and the Underserved Pathway.

These pathway programs allow students to:

• organize their courses, clinical rotations, and volunteer opportunities around a particular community, population, or aspect of underserved medicine; as well as to
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• explore career interests with mentorship from faculty, staff, and community providers and partners who share those interests.

Indian Health Pathway

The Indian Health Pathway provides unique educational experiences in the area of Indian health. The American Indian community is one of the most underserved minority groups in the nation. This pathway is for students who are interested in experience or becoming practitioners in urban and rural Native American communities.

Global Health Pathway

The Global Health Pathway provides medical students with the information and experiences necessary to practice in underserved communities worldwide.  It is designed for students interested in research or clinical practice in resource-poor settings and with international communities.

Underserved Pathway

The Underserved Pathway provides a general introduction to communities with health disparities--such as rural, homeless and various racial and ethnic groups. This pathway is for students who are considering underserved careers and want a broad exposure to underserved populations and settings.