UAFP Executive Director, Maryann Martindale and Program Director, Barbara Muñoz had the wonderful opportunity to take a quick trip to Ivins, Utah, in late January to meet with faculty and students at Rocky Vista University (RVU) — Southern Utah.

Dr. Mark Wardle, assistant professor of Primary Care in the Department of Primary Care Medicine, coordinated a full morning of activities. UAFP staff met over breakfast with faculty and students who have either committed to or are considering pursuing a career in primary care after graduation. A lively discussion was had with the group of bright, engaging, and passionate future physicians who bring a variety of backgrounds and perspectives to the classroom and their careers.

Dr. Wardle also took the staff on a tour of the impressive, cutting-edge facilities. These include two 200-seat lecture halls, three seminar rooms, 36 small-group study rooms, clinical skills and OPP lab, a full dissection gross anatomy lab, a multipurpose lab, a simulation center, standardized patient rooms and a 9,000 square foot library. The Southern Utah Veterans Home is adjacent to the campus and provides the students with a continuity of care experience.

The first class to graduate as doctors of osteopathic medicine from RVU — Southern Utah will do so in the spring of 2021. We look forward to celebrating with them next year, and with many additional cohorts of young physicians in years to come!