Best Medical Schools in Vermont

Vermont is a state known for its rural landscapes, tight-knit communities, and commitment to public health. Although Vermont has only one medical school, the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, it offers an exceptional medical education rooted in community-focused care, rural health, and innovation in clinical training. The Larner College of Medicine is recognized for its forward-thinking approach to medical education, its emphasis on active learning, and its commitment to improving healthcare in underserved areas.

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Overview of the Larner College of Medicine

The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine (UVM Larner), located in Burlington, Vermont, is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States, established in 1822. The school has a reputation for excellence in medical education, with a strong focus on primary care, community health, and rural medicine. UVM Larner is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that promotes innovation in healthcare and addresses the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in Vermont and beyond.

UVM Larner’s mission is to educate physicians who are compassionate, community-oriented, and dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare while fostering a deep commitment to public service, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Key Features of UVM Larner College of Medicine

M.D. Program

• Active Learning Curriculum: One of the most distinctive features of UVM Larner College of Medicine is its Active Learning Curriculum, which replaces traditional lectures with interactive, student-centered learning methods. This innovative approach emphasizes small-group discussions, case-based learning, team-based activities, and hands-on simulation exercises. The goal is to engage students actively in their learning process and prepare them for real-world clinical decision-making. By focusing on active learning, students at UVM Larner develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in medical practice.
• Foundations and Clerkship Phases: The M.D. program at UVM Larner is divided into two main phases: the Foundations Phase and the Clerkship Phase. The Foundations Phase focuses on building a strong understanding of basic medical sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. The Clerkship Phase, which begins in the third year, consists of core clinical rotations in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and neurology. During the Clerkship Phase, students gain hands-on experience working with patients in various healthcare settings, both in Vermont and at affiliated clinical sites.
• Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) Option: UVM Larner offers a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) option for students who prefer to gain a more continuous, longitudinal experience with patients over time. The LIC allows students to follow a panel of patients throughout their healthcare journey, providing care across multiple specialties. This model helps students develop a deeper understanding of the patient-provider relationship and offers greater exposure to continuity of care, particularly in primary care settings.
• Rural Medicine Focus: UVM Larner places a strong emphasis on rural health and primary care. The school recognizes the healthcare needs of rural communities, particularly in Vermont, and actively encourages students to pursue careers in rural medicine. Many students gain clinical experience in rural health centers and community clinics, where they address the unique challenges of providing care in low-resource settings.
• Dual-Degree Programs: UVM Larner offers several dual-degree programs, including the M.D./Ph.D., M.D./MPH, and M.D./M.S.C.E. (Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science) programs. These dual-degree options allow students to combine their medical education with advanced training in research, public health, or clinical sciences, preparing them for careers as physician-scientists, public health leaders, or clinical researchers.

Clinical Training and Facilities

• University of Vermont Medical Center: Clinical training at UVM Larner College of Medicine takes place primarily at the University of Vermont Medical Center, a leading academic medical center in the region. The UVM Medical Center is known for its excellence in primary care, oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and pediatric care. Students work alongside experienced physicians, residents, and healthcare professionals in a wide range of clinical settings, from emergency care to outpatient services.
• Affiliated Clinical Sites: In addition to the UVM Medical Center, students complete clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities throughout Vermont and nearby states, including rural hospitals and community health centers. These diverse clinical experiences provide students with exposure to different patient populations and healthcare environments, preparing them for a broad range of medical careers.
• Early Clinical Exposure: UVM Larner emphasizes early clinical exposure, with students beginning patient interactions during their first year of medical school. Through the Doctoring in Vermont program, students work in local healthcare settings, developing their clinical skills and gaining experience in patient communication, physical examination, and medical decision-making from the start of their education.
• Rural Clinical Rotations: A significant focus of clinical training at UVM Larner is on rural healthcare delivery. Students have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in rural areas, where they gain hands-on experience in primary care, family medicine, and rural public health. These rotations allow students to understand the specific challenges faced by rural healthcare providers, including limited access to specialized services and healthcare workforce shortages.
• Simulation-Based Learning: UVM Larner is equipped with state-of-the-art simulation labs that allow students to practice clinical skills in a controlled, high-tech environment. The Clinical Simulation Laboratory offers training in emergency medicine, surgical procedures, and patient care scenarios, providing students with the opportunity to develop their clinical skills before entering real-world practice.

Research and Innovation

• Research Opportunities for Students: UVM Larner College of Medicine offers a wide range of research opportunities for medical students. The school encourages students to engage in research projects throughout their education, particularly in areas such as rural health, primary care, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, and public health. Students can participate in research projects through summer fellowships, independent research electives, or the Scholarly Project Program, which requires students to complete a mentored research project during their time in medical school.
• Center for Health Services Research: UVM Larner is home to the Center for Health Services Research, which focuses on improving healthcare delivery and outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Students interested in health policy, healthcare delivery models, and population health can work with faculty on research projects that aim to improve access to care and address healthcare disparities in rural communities.
• Vermont Lung Center: The Vermont Lung Center at UVM is a leading research institution focused on respiratory health, particularly lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Students with an interest in pulmonary research can collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects that aim to develop new treatments and therapies for lung diseases.
• Global Health Research: In addition to domestic research, UVM Larner offers opportunities for students to engage in global health research. The school’s Global Health Program facilitates research projects and clinical electives in low-resource settings around the world. Students interested in global health can conduct research on infectious diseases, healthcare delivery, and public health challenges in international contexts.

Community Health and Public Health Initiatives

• Public Health Focus: UVM Larner College of Medicine is deeply committed to addressing public health challenges and improving population health. The school’s curriculum integrates public health education, with an emphasis on preventive medicine, healthcare disparities, and the social determinants of health. Students gain a strong foundation in public health principles, preparing them to address health inequities and improve health outcomes in their communities.
• M.D./MPH Program: For students interested in combining clinical medicine with public health, UVM Larner offers a dual-degree M.D./MPH program. This program equips students with the skills to address public health challenges, such as chronic disease prevention, healthcare access, and health policy. Graduates of the M.D./MPH program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in public health organizations, government agencies, and healthcare institutions.
• Community Health Projects: UVM Larner students are actively involved in community health projects throughout Vermont. Through the Public Health Projects program, students work in teams to develop and implement community-based interventions that address local public health issues. These projects allow students to apply their knowledge of public health and healthcare delivery to real-world challenges, such as substance use prevention, mental health services, and chronic disease management.
• Partnerships with Rural Health Centers: UVM Larner has strong partnerships with rural health centers and community clinics across Vermont. These partnerships allow students to gain experience in rural healthcare delivery and provide critical services to underserved populations. Many students choose to complete clinical rotations at these rural sites, where they can practice primary care, family medicine, and preventive health services in resource-limited settings.

Global Health Opportunities

• Global Health Program: UVM Larner College of Medicine has a well-established Global Health Program, which provides students with opportunities to participate in clinical rotations, research projects, and public health initiatives in international settings. The program has partnerships with healthcare institutions in countries such as Uganda, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic. Through these partnerships, students gain valuable experience in global health delivery, cross-cultural communication, and the management of diseases in low-resource environments.
• Global Health Electives: Students interested in global health can participate in clinical electives in various countries, where they work alongside local healthcare providers to address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes. These electives provide a unique opportunity for students to expand their medical knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the global healthcare landscape.
• Global Health Research: In addition to clinical electives, UVM Larner students have the option to engage in global health research. These research projects focus on infectious diseases, maternal and child health, health systems strengthening, and healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries. Students work with faculty mentors to develop and implement research projects that address critical global health challenges.

Admissions and Application Process

Admission to the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine is highly competitive. The school seeks applicants who are academically strong, committed to community service, and interested in addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Key admissions criteria include:

• MCAT Scores and GPA: The average MCAT score for admitted students is typically between 508 and 512, with an average GPA of around 3.7. UVM Larner values strong academic performance in science courses and overall academic achievement.
• Clinical and Research Experience: UVM Larner looks for applicants with significant clinical experience, such as shadowing physicians, volunteering in healthcare settings, or working as a healthcare professional. Research experience, particularly in areas related to primary care, public health, or rural health, is also highly valued.
• Commitment to Community Service: UVM Larner is deeply committed to community service and values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to serving underserved populations. Volunteering in community health programs, rural healthcare settings, or public health initiatives can strengthen an application.
• Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: A compelling personal statement that reflects the applicant’s motivation for pursuing medicine, leadership experience, and commitment to patient care is essential. Strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or healthcare professionals are also required.
• Interview Process: Selected applicants are invited to participate in interviews, where they are assessed on their communication skills, leadership potential, and fit with UVM Larner’s mission. The interview process provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to evaluate an applicant’s readiness for medical school and their commitment to serving rural and underserved communities.