Distinction Tracks

Distinction Track Goals

The Distinction Track Program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine was created to meet two primary goals:

  1. To increase the number of students choosing a career in academic medicine, and
  2. To provide students with the opportunity for academic exploration and scholarly productivity in an area in medicine for which they have a passion.

The University of Louisville currently has seven Distinction Tracks:

  • Business and Leadership
  • Global and Public Health
  • Medical Education
  • Research
  • Medicine and Social Impact
  • Urban Primary Care
  • Physician-Scientist Development

Each distinction track is unique in its requirements, ensures a mentored longitudinal experience, and culminates in a scholarly project. Students have the option to apply for a distinction track in years one or two depending upon track, louisville.edu/medicine/distinction-tracks

Distinction in Business and Leadership

The Distinction in Business and Leadership track offers formal business training at the medical student level in order to equip graduates for today’s challenges. 

Distinction in Global and Public Health

The Distinction in Global and Public Health track offers an educational track that introduces medical students to an in-depth review of global and public health through learning modules, critical reflection, lectures and scholarly projects.  Students will receive a DIGPH Certificate upon successful completion of their portfolio activities. 

Distinction in Medical Education

The Distinction in Medical Education track is a longitudinal experience that will provide medical students at the UofL SOM with the unique opportunity to engage in activities focused on developing their skills in multiple teaching modes pertinent to medical education, as well as conducting educational research.

Distinction in Research 

The Distinction in Research track supports students in completing extracurricular research and scholarship activities in any field. This track is appropriate for students who are interested in research, but do not necessarily plan a research-focused career. This track supports broad foundational research training. 

Distinction in Medicine and Social Impact   

The Distinction in Medicine and Social Impact track provides professional and personal development opportunities to strengthen students’ skills in addressing healthcare access and care gaps through a lens of community awareness and responsibility.      

Distinction in Urban Primary Care

The Urban Primary Care Distinction track aims to produce competent, compassionate primary care physicians equipped with the skills to serve urban populations, particularly in underserved areas. The track focuses on practical experience, community engagement, and an in-depth understanding of urban health dynamics.

Distinction in Physician-Scientist Development

The Physician-Scientist Development Distinction Track aims to develop medical students as physician-scientists. DIPSD is longitudinal and includes contact with mentors and research groups, development of research and dissemination skills and the completion of a research project in the 3rd/4th years. The role of clinician as researcher and the methods of basic and translational research will be taught throughout the DIPSD track. The format will include equipping the students with commonly used tools for research and hands-on mentored research experience.