The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix periodically reviews and updates its Certificate of Distinction (COD) offerings to ensure they align with the evolving needs of medical education, health care, and student interests. While the programs listed below are no longer accepting new participants, many alumni successfully completed these Certificates of Distinction and may continue to reference them in residency applications, curricula vitae, professional biographies, and other academic materials.
Primary Care Scholars Program
The Primary Care Scholars Program recognized students who demonstrated a strong commitment to primary care medicine. Participants completed a four-year longitudinal curriculum that combined clinical experiences, mentorship, scholarship, leadership development, health policy, advocacy, and population health education. The program was designed to prepare future physicians to become leaders in primary care and community health.
Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP)
The Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) Certificate of Distinction recognized students committed to serving rural and underserved communities. Through a four-year curriculum that included mentorship, seminars, rural clinical experiences, and clerkship opportunities, students gained exposure to the unique challenges and opportunities associated with rural medical practice.
The program emphasized broad clinical experience, community engagement, and preparation for careers that support rural health care delivery.
Wellness, Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
The Wellness, Integrative Medicine and Nutrition Certificate of Distinction provided students with an in-depth understanding of the social, structural, behavioral, and lifestyle factors that influence health and wellness.
Students completed a four-year curriculum focused on nutrition, culinary medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, public health, and the social determinants of health. The program encouraged a comprehensive approach to patient care and disease prevention.
These programs are no longer offered to new students. Information about the current Certificate of Distinction offerings can be found on the main Certificate of Distinction page.