Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to earn national praise for its commitment to improving health care access in underserved communities. In the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings, the college was ranked 21st in the nation and first in Ohio for the number of graduates practicing in rural areas.
Office of Rural and Underserved Programs
Office of Rural and Underserved Programs
ORUP: Guiding Future Physicians to Care for the Underserved
We prepare learners in medical school for patient-centered primary care in rural and underserved communities, and for the generalist specialties of primary importance to these communities, through community engagement, ongoing curriculum design, program implementation and assessment, faculty development, student support and medical education research.
The Office of Rural and Underserved Programs was established with funding provided by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundations (OHF).
The ORUP coordinates and leads activities and programs in medical education, research and scholarly activity as well as community engagement and service.
Medical Education
Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways Program (RUSP)
The Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways program is a co-curricular learning community that aims to support and prepare medical students to practice in medically underserved areas.
Research
Community Engagement & Service
ORUP in the News
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Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine recognized nationally for rural health impact in U.S. News rankings
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OHIO Today Magazine: Care That’s Rooted in Community
Nationwide, many rural areas like Southeast Ohio are considered medically underserved, meaning there are not enough services or primary care providers to meet the health needs of the population. In fact, the American Journal of Managed Care estimates that more than 90% of rural counties are facing a shortage of primary care physicians. Ohio University is at the forefront of tackling this crisis.
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One Clerkship, Three Paths to Improving Health in Ohio
At Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) , the commitment to improving health, expanding community-based training and practicing science-based care has cultivated a vibrant research culture that allows students to connect their personal interests with real-world opportunities for health.