The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Diverse Student Experience

• We are committed to providing opportunities for all residents of South Dakota to become a doctor of medicine.
• Diversity opportunities are part of several of our first- and second-year courses.
• Third-year students engage in a week-long cultural immersion to explore health care customs and issues in a variety of diverse populations.  
• Our diversity initiatives are directed by our Office of Diversity Affairs, including our Indians Into Medicine Program (INMED).  

Research Opportunities for Our Students

• The Medical Student Summer Research Program offers one-on-one basic science or clinical research experience during your first two years.        
• During Student Research Day students present the results of their research efforts to their faculty and classmates.       
• The Scholarship Pathways Program and the Physician Scientist Program provide additional opportunities for research.      
• Opportunities to pursue research outside of the medical school also are available with affiliated hospitals and organizations.  

Service Opportunities Our Students Have Experienced

• International health care experiences around the globe.        
• Volunteering as part of the cultural immersion project at settings that include Indian reservations, Hutterite colonies and care facilities for the disabled, deaf and blind.       
• Administering flu shots to elementary students as part of a statewide initiative.      
• Training to deploy in case of a health care emergency.     
• Organizing charity events to raise money for scholarships and domestic violence shelters.       
• Creating the Coyote Clinic to provide health care for the uninsured and low income in downtown Sioux Falls.  
• Our Scholarship Pathway Program also offers a service track.