The Certificate of Distinction (COD) in Service and Community Health is an optional four-year curriculum for enrolled medical students which is intended to increase familiarity with underserved patient populations in the urban setting and to enhance student involvement within the Phoenix community. All students are encouraged to participate in Service Learning activities, regardless of whether or not they choose to pursue this Certificate of Distinction.
This program incorporates community mentorship, community service, didactics, reflection, and scholarly work to strengthen students’ leadership skills and to develop community-responsive physicians. The curriculum includes an emphasis on the care of underserved populations, including:
- Cultural, ethnic, and religious minorities
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients
- Non-native English speakers and those that do not speak English
- Persons with low literacy levels
- Persons of low socioeconomic status
- Uninsured and underinsured patients
Service & Community Health COD Course Description (PDF)
COD Overview (PDF)
Applicants must apply for the Service and Community Health program by the first Friday in August of their first academic year. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
