Commitment to Underserved People (C.U.P.) program at the University of Arizona

The C.U.P. (Commitment to Underserved People) Program was established at the University of Arizona College of Medicine to reinforce the commitment of a self-selected group of medical students to careers with medically underserved people and to help them acquire some of the special knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to effective performance in such careers. The program brings together some preexisting curricular offerings and a number of additional extracurricular activities and experiences. The time demands on the participating students are significant, but not excessive. Support activities are an important aspect and include periodic group meetings, an annual retreat, faculty role models as students advisors, and personal counseling when needed. The program is coordinated by the Department of Family and Community Medicine, but relies on participation of faculty from other primary care departments and the cooperation of a number of community agencies and clinics. The C.U.P. Program was developed in response to an expressed student need, and students have continued to play an essential role in its design and direction.