RVUCOM-SU Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Southern Utah (RVUCOM-SU) is a newer osteopathic medical campus with a mission to educate highly competent, compassionate physicians and lifelong learners rvu.edu, and a vision to serve the healthcare needs of the Mountain West region rvu.edu. Its program features an innovative curriculum and specialty tracks (described below) that reflect these goals. The interview process at RVUCOM-SU is known for being low-stress and holistic, utilizing a panel format where interviewers explore an applicant’s personal qualities, motivations, and fit with the school’s values. Common interview topics include the candidate’s reasons for pursuing osteopathic medicine and choosing RVUCOM-SU, definitions of professionalism, and reflections on meaningful clinical or service experiences studentdoctor.net. Additionally, an awareness of current healthcare issues – for example, physician shortages in rural communities sltrib.com – can help candidates connect their answers to the school’s mission and regional needs. The following guide provides detailed insights into the interview format, the school’s mission and values, program highlights, relevant health policy topics, selection criteria, competency frameworks, past interview question themes, and the 2025–2026 application timeline.

Format and Setting: RVUCOM-SU conducts a single 40-minute interview with a two-person panel, designed to be conversational and low-pressure catalog.rvu.edu. In recent cycles, interviews have been held virtually via video conference catalog.rvu.edu, with an option for accepted students to visit campus afterward. The interview is a partially open-file format: interviewers receive the applicant’s personal statement, experiences, supplemental application, and recommendation letters, but they are blinded to academic metrics like GPA and MCAT scores catalog.rvu.edu. This approach allows the panel to focus on an applicant’s attributes, experiences, and fit with the school, rather than just test scores.

Interviewers and Approach: The interview panel typically includes faculty or administrators who are part of the admissions team. They aim to create a welcoming environment, often starting with broad questions (e.g. “Tell us about yourself”) and delving into motivations for medicine, ethical reasoning, and alignment with osteopathic philosophy. Interviewers have already screened academic qualifications prior to the interview, so the conversation centers on who the applicant is beyond the numbers catalog.rvu.edu catalog.rvu.edu. Student feedback indicates that the tone is friendly and the questions are meant to understand the applicant’s character and decision-making, consistent with RVUCOM’s “low-stress” interview philosophy catalog.rvu.edu.

Post-Interview Outcome: After the interview, candidates are deliberated by the Admissions Committee, which convenes at least monthly to review interviewer recommendations catalog.rvu.edu. Because RVUCOM uses rolling admissions, decisions are typically made soon after the interview. Applicants may receive one of three outcomes: an acceptance offer, placement on an alternate (waitlist) list, or a denial catalog.rvu.edu. The final admissions decisions are approved by the Dean of the college. (While specific post-interview acceptance rates are not published, the process is competitive; however, being invited to interview is a positive indication, as roughly a few candidates are interviewed per available seat.)

RVUCOM-SU’s guiding mission is “to educate and inspire students to become highly competent osteopathic physicians and lifelong learners prepared to meet the diverse healthcare needs of tomorrow through compassionate service, relevant research, and innovative education.” rvu.edu This mission underscores the school’s dual emphasis on excellent medical competence and a humanitarian, service-oriented approach to healthcare. In alignment with its mission, the school places great importance on qualities like compassion, service to diverse communities, and innovation in education. The RVUCOM vision further aims “to establish RVUCOM as a premier educational program providing excellent osteopathic physicians in the Mountain West.” rvu.edu This regional focus on the Mountain West highlights the school’s commitment to training physicians who will serve in Utah and neighboring states, including in rural and underserved areas.

Accompanying the mission are the institution’s core values, which define the culture and expectations for students and faculty. RVUCOM has adopted eight core values that reflect the qualities of a successful physician and community member rvu.edu:

• Collegiality
• Compassion
• Diversity
• Equity
• Excellence
• Inclusivity
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Service

These values – from Collegiality (emphasizing teamwork and mutual respect) to Service (commitment to helping others) – serve as a roadmap for the behaviors and attitudes expected at RVUCOM-SU. In the interview context, understanding the mission and values can help applicants frame their responses: for instance, discussing personal examples of compassionate care or leadership in a team can demonstrate alignment with Collegiality, Compassion, and Integrity. While preparing, it may be useful for candidates to reflect on how their own experiences and goals resonate with the school’s mission of “compassionate service, relevant research, and innovative education” rvu.edu and its core values. Showing awareness of these principles in an authentic way can convey a strong fit with RVUCOM-SU’s ethos.

RVUCOM-SU offers a four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program that integrates traditional science with clinical application. The first two years are pre-clinical and campus-based, using an applications-based systems curriculum that emphasizes case-based learning and early clinical exposure rvu.edu. Students learn anatomy, physiology, pathology, and other sciences through organ-system blocks, revisiting each system twice (normal function first, then disease) as they progress. Small-group case discussions and hands-on Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) labs complement lectures, reflecting the school’s commitment to interactive and innovative education. In the third and fourth years, students complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings. RVUCOM-SU has affiliations that allow rotations in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices not only in Utah but also in neighboring states, ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations (including rural communities).

A distinctive feature of the program is its set of optional tracks (also known as concentrations) that students can pursue alongside the core curriculum. These tracks provide specialized training in areas of interest and are a hallmark of RVU’s approach to producing well-rounded physicians. For example, the Academic Medicine and Leadership Track prepares students for future roles in medical education and healthcare leadership, while the Digital Health Track offers exposure to emerging technologies in healthcare and requires participants to integrate digital health knowledge into clinical training catalog.rvu.edu. Other available tracks include the Global Medicine Track, focusing on public health and care of diverse populations catalog.rvu.edu; the Long Term Care Medicine Track, emphasizing geriatric and continuity of care; the Physician-Scientist Track for students interested in research careers catalog.rvu.edu; and the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track, which trains students in skills needed for rural practice and emergency scenarios in remote settings catalog.rvu.edu. (Some tracks are campus-specific — for instance, an Urban Underserved Track is offered at the Colorado campus, while the Rural & Wilderness track is especially relevant in Utah.) Admission into these tracks is competitive and occurs after matriculation, but their existence is a strong indicator of the program’s broad educational philosophy. They signal to applicants that RVUCOM-SU values leadership, innovation, and service to various communities, which can be excellent talking points during interviews.

The facilities and resources at the Southern Utah campus support a cutting-edge medical education. The campus spans two modern buildings (totaling ~127,000 square feet) and includes two large lecture halls (each seating 220 students) and multiple seminar rooms for interactive learning rvu.edu. Students have access to 36 private study rooms and numerous collaborative study spaces rvu.edu, fostering a supportive learning environment. A dedicated Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) laboratory allows students to practice OMM techniques, underscoring the program’s commitment to hands-on osteopathic training rvu.edu. Additionally, RVUCOM-SU boasts a high-tech Simulation Center, featuring simulated clinical environments such as an operating room, an emergency room, and a labor & delivery suite rvu.edu. There are also multiple standardized patient exam rooms where students develop clinical skills with actor-patients in realistic scenarios rvu.edu. The campus houses a 9,000-square-foot medical library and numerous digital resources to support student research and learning. These facilities not only enrich the student experience but can serve as conversation points in an interview – demonstrating the school’s commitment to experiential learning and asking questions about them shows an applicant’s interest in how they will be trained.

Another notable aspect of RVUCOM-SU’s program is its student outcomes. The school reports strong performance on licensing exams and in residency placements. For example, the RVUCOM Class of 2024 achieved a 95% board exam pass rate rvu.edu (COMLEX-USA, the osteopathic licensing exam), reflecting the effectiveness of the curriculum and academic support. Graduates also fare well in the residency match: nearly all students secure residency positions by graduation (historically around 98% placement, spanning a range of specialties and locations). Many choose primary care fields, consistent with the college’s mission to meet community healthcare needs, though RVUCOM-SU graduates have matched into everything from family medicine and pediatrics to surgery and anesthesiology. The school’s success in this area is an encouraging sign for applicants. It may prompt questions about how the faculty support board preparation or what resources are available for matching into residencies – areas the interviewers might be happy to discuss.

Potential Questions to Ask at the Interview

• “How does RVUCOM-Southern Utah integrate osteopathic principles and OMM training throughout the curriculum?” – (Shows interest in the DO philosophy and how hands-on skills are taught.)
• “What opportunities do students have to engage in research or scholarly projects during the program?” – (Aligns with the school’s mention of “relevant research” in its mission and could lead to discussing the Physician-Scientist Track or research electives.)
• “Can you tell me more about the optional tracks (such as Global Medicine or Digital Health) and how they enhance the student experience?” – (Demonstrates that you’ve done your homework about the program’s unique offerings and are thinking about how to tailor your education.)
• “In what ways do students engage with the local community or work with underserved populations during training?” – (Reflects awareness of the school’s service mission and the rural setting of southern Utah; invites discussion of community clinics, health fairs, or rural rotation opportunities.)
• “What support does RVUCOM provide for board exam preparation and for navigating the residency match process?” – (Shows forward-thinking about your success as a student and physician, and lets the interviewer highlight the school’s resources like board review programs, mentorship, and match advising.)

These are just examples – it’s important that any questions you ask are genuine and specific to your interests. By asking thoughtful questions, you not only gain valuable information but also demonstrate your enthusiasm for RVUCOM-SU’s program.

Medical school interviews often include discussions of broader healthcare issues. For RVUCOM-SU, certain policy and healthcare topics are particularly pertinent given its osteopathic focus, its regional setting in Utah, and national trends. Being conversant with these can help you engage in higher-level dialogue during the interview (if such topics arise naturally). Below are some key policy-relevant themes:

• Physician shortages in rural Utah: Many of Utah’s counties are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care, indicating a severe lack of doctors locally sltrib.com. RVUCOM-SU was established in part to address this need. However, a related issue is the lack of residency positions in the state – the dean of RVUCOM noted that many graduates who wished to stay in Utah for residency had to go to neighboring states due to limited in-state GME (graduate medical education) slots sltrib.com. This ongoing challenge has drawn attention from state policymakers, as increasing residency training capacity in Utah is seen as crucial for retaining physicians in the region.
• National physician workforce shortfall: Across the United States, there is a projected physician deficit in the coming decades. The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) projects a shortfall of up to ~86,000 physicians by 2036 if current trends continue aamc.org. This includes shortages in primary care as well as certain specialties. The discussion often centers on expanding medical school enrollment (and indeed, new schools like RVUCOM-SU are part of that expansion) and increasing residency funding at the federal level. An interviewer might not quiz you on specific numbers, but showing awareness of the general issue – that we need more doctors and better distribution of doctors – aligns well with RVUCOM’s mission to meet future healthcare needs.
• Integration of osteopathic graduates in healthcare: Since 2020, the residency accreditation system for MD and DO graduates has been unified en.wikipedia.org. This Single Accreditation System means osteopathic graduates compete for the same residencies as their MD counterparts, and osteopathic principles (like OMM) can now be recognized through “Osteopathic Recognition” in residency programs. Being aware of this policy change shows that you understand the evolving landscape of medical training. It highlights that a DO graduate from RVUCOM-SU has the same opportunities for residency as any medical graduate, with the added value of osteopathic training. An interview conversation might touch on how osteopathic medicine fits into the broader system or how the school prepares students for this unified graduate medical education environment.
• Primary care and osteopathic medicine’s role: Osteopathic medical schools have a tradition of producing primary care physicians for underserved areas, which is highly relevant to both Utah and the nation. In fact, the number of DOs is rapidly growing, and more than half of osteopathic physicians practice in primary care, often in rural or underserved communities npr.org. This aligns directly with RVUCOM-SU’s focus on community health and service. Topics like rural healthcare delivery, the opioid crisis (and the use of OMM as a non-pharmacological pain management strategy), or preventive medicine could come up. Demonstrating knowledge of how osteopathic principles (holistic care, patient-centered communication, preventive focus) can help tackle current healthcare challenges would resonate with the school’s philosophy.

In preparing for your interview, you don’t need to be an expert on every policy, but having an informed perspective on these issues can be very useful. If asked an open-ended question like “What do you see as a big challenge in healthcare today?” you could mention one of the above and connect it back to osteopathic medicine or to your desire to study at RVUCOM-SU. It shows that you are thinking beyond just the textbook – you’re aware of the context in which you will practice medicine.

Like most medical schools, RVUCOM-SU evaluates applicants holistically, meaning that qualities beyond GPA and MCAT are critically important. The admissions committee looks for evidence of attributes that align with the school’s mission and values: compassion, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to service, among others rvu.edu rvu.edu. Experiences that showcase these attributes can significantly strengthen an application. For example, substantial community service or volunteer work demonstrates a service orientation and compassion for others, which dovetails with RVUCOM’s emphasis on “compassionate service.” Leadership roles in student organizations, employment, or community projects are valued, reflecting the school’s focus on collegiality and excellence. Involvement in research or other scholarly projects can highlight intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning (echoing the “relevant research” component of the mission).

In particular, clinical experience is both expected and required. RVUCOM’s application requirements mandate a letter of recommendation from a healthcare provider (preferably a DO or MD) who has supervised the applicant in a clinical setting rvu.edu – this implies that hands-on exposure to patient care (through shadowing, clinical volunteering, or work as a medical scribe/EMT, etc.) is a de facto requirement. Having meaningful clinical experiences allows applicants to confirm their desire to pursue medicine and to speak about patient interactions during the interview. Additionally, demonstrating cultural competence or experience with diverse populations is beneficial (given “Diversity” and “Inclusivity” are core values). Applicants who have learned from people of different backgrounds – whether through volunteering, travel, or community work – can discuss those experiences to show they are prepared to serve varied communities. Overall, the school is seeking well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also show the personal qualities of a caring, ethical, and community-minded physician. Interviewers will be gauging these traits, so candidates should be ready to provide examples from their lives that illustrate qualities like empathy, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

RVUCOM-SU’s admissions philosophy is informed by broader competency frameworks in medical education. One such framework is the AAMC’s Premedical Competencies (Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students), which many medical schools (MD and DO alike) use in holistic review. These competencies are grouped into categories like Professional (e.g. ethics, reliability, service orientation), Thinking and Reasoning (e.g. critical thinking, quantitative reasoning), and Science (e.g. living systems, human behavior) students-residents.aamc.org. Starting with the 2024–25 cycle, updated competency definitions are being used to evaluate applicants’ readiness students-residents.aamc.org. While you won’t be asked to list these in an interview, it’s helpful to understand that your application and interview answers are being assessed for evidence of these competencies. For instance, an interviewer’s question about handling a conflict in a team is partly probing your interpersonal skills and ethical responsibility – key professional competencies.

Equally important are the osteopathic-specific frameworks that shape RVUCOM’s training. Osteopathic medicine has a set of fundamental tenets and competencies that distinguish it. RVUCOM “promotes the incorporation of traditional osteopathic principles and philosophy” with an emphasis on wellness, holistic care, and the integration of structure and function in medicine catalog.rvu.edu. In practice, this means the program teaches students to approach patients as whole persons (mind, body, and spirit), to appreciate how the musculoskeletal system influences overall health, and to use hands-on diagnostic and therapeutic techniques (OMM) where appropriate. In the admissions context, you might be evaluated on your understanding of or openness to these concepts. An interviewer could, for example, ask why you chose osteopathic medicine – a good answer might touch on the holistic, patient-centered philosophy or your exposure to a DO mentor. Being aware of the “Seven Osteopathic Core Competencies” (such as Osteopathic Principles & Practice, Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Interpersonal Skills & Communication, Professionalism, Practice-Based Learning, and Systems-Based Practice) isn’t explicitly required for interviewees, but these are analogous to the competencies all physicians are expected to have. Showing that you value qualities like communication, lifelong learning, and professionalism will implicitly cover these areas. In short, understanding both the general competencies expected of medical students and the unique osteopathic focus of RVUCOM-SU will help you tailor your preparation and responses.

Interviewees for RVUCOM-SU have reported a variety of questions, but several clear themes emerge. Many of the common questions are aimed at understanding your motivations for medicine and fit for osteopathic practice. For example, applicants are frequently asked “What does professionalism mean to you?” – a question to gauge ethical awareness and maturity. Another frequent topic is “Why Rocky Vista? Why the Southern Utah campus?” – essentially, why do you want to attend this school? (and often combined with “Why osteopathic medicine?”) ([www.studentdoctor.net](https://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/rvucom-ut/survey/27/rocky-vista-university-college-of-osteopathic-medicine-utah/1#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20responses%20provided%2C,mentions%20of%20%27MMI%27%20and%20%27nondisclosure)). These queries give you a chance to articulate what draws you to RVUCOM-SU specifically (perhaps its mission, curriculum, or location) and to show that you understand and value the DO philosophy. Similarly, interviewers often ask about the significance of your experiences* – expect something like, “Tell us about a meaningful clinical experience or volunteer activity from your application.” They want to see reflection and personal growth, not just a description of the activity.

Beyond those, ethical or behavioral scenarios have been reported in RVUCOM-SU interviews. Students have noted that some of the most challenging questions involved hypothetical situations – for instance, how to handle an agitated or difficult patient, or how to navigate a tricky ethical dilemma with a colleague studentdoctor.net. In one case, an interviewee mentioned having to walk through their approach to managing a patient scenario, which tested their communication skills and ethics under pressure. These scenario-based questions are reminiscent of MMI (Multiple Mini-Interview) style prompts, even though RVUCOM-SU’s format is a panel interview. In fact, some candidates have alluded to MMI-type elements and even signing a nondisclosure agreement about specific scenarios studentdoctor.net. What this means for you as an applicant is that you should be prepared to think on your feet. If given a scenario, take a moment to gather your thoughts, then explain your reasoning step by step – there might not be one “correct” answer, but the interviewers are interested in your problem-solving process, ethical framework, and empathy. Common scenarios in medical school interviews often deal with topics like patient confidentiality, informed consent, handling mistakes, teamwork conflicts, or responding to a patient’s cultural needs. Reviewing some standard ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, etc.) and reflecting on how you would react in challenging interpersonal situations can be good preparation. When discussing any scenario or experience, remember to tie it back to osteopathic values if you can (for example, emphasizing empathy, holistic thinking, or teamwork).

In summary, past RVUCOM-SU interview questions have centered on who you are, why you want to be an osteopathic physician, and how you respond in situations. Themes include personal motivation, understanding of osteopathic medicine, alignment with the school’s mission, professionalism, and ethical decision-making. By anticipating questions in these areas, you can prepare examples and responses that highlight your strengths. Just be careful not to sound too rehearsed – authenticity and the ability to have a back-and-forth conversation are key. The interviewers genuinely want to get to know you, so being honest and reflective will leave a positive impression.

For those aiming to join RVUCOM-SU in the entering class of 2026, it’s crucial to stay on top of the application timeline. Rocky Vista University operates on a rolling admissions basis, so submitting materials early can improve your chances. Below are the important dates and deadlines for the 2025–26 cycle (for matriculation in Fall 2026), along with notes about the interview and decision process:

• May 5, 2025 – AACOMAS opens: The AACOMAS application for the 2025–2026 cycle opens in early May help.liaisonedu.com. This is the first day you can start working on and submitting your primary application. (All osteopathic schools use AACOMAS, the centralized application service.) It’s a good idea to apply as early in the cycle as possible, since RVUCOM-SU reviews applications on a rolling basis.
• March 15, 2026 – Primary application deadline: RVUCOM’s deadline for the AACOMAS primary application is expected to be around this date. In the 2024–25 cycle, the deadline was March 15, 2025 rvu.edu, so for 2025–26 it will likely be March 15, 2026 (if not updated, check the official AACOMAS program page to confirm). Remember that waiting until the deadline is not advisable – the class may fill its interview slots well before then.
• April 15, 2026 – Secondary (supplemental) application deadline: After submitting the AACOMAS primary, eligible applicants receive an invitation to complete RVUCOM’s supplemental application. The deadline for the supplemental was April 15, 2025 in the last cycle rvu.edu, so a mid-April 2026 deadline is expected for this cycle. The supplemental application typically includes additional essays and a processing fee (which can be waived for qualified applicants such as those with AACOMAS fee waivers or military service, according to the admissions site). It’s best to submit the secondary promptly rather than waiting until the deadline.
• Interview invitations: Interview offers are made on a rolling basis starting as early as late summer or early fall 2025, once applications are complete and screened. RVUCOM-SU’s admissions team notes that it’s feasible all interview slots could be filled before the final application deadline rvu.edu. Thus, earlier applicants have the advantage of more available interview dates. If you are invited, you will be able to choose from a list of interview dates (the school tries to be flexible). Interviews for this cycle will be conducted virtually, typically from around September 2025 through March 2026 (with some variation). After your interview, you can expect to hear a decision within a few weeks to a month or two, given the rolling review.
• Admissions decisions and matriculation: As mentioned, the Admissions Committee meets monthly to decide on interviewed candidates catalog.rvu.edu. If you are accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter and be asked to submit a deposit to hold your seat (the timeline for deposit deadlines will be outlined in the acceptance package, usually following AACOMAS traffic guidelines). RVUCOM-SU may also place some interviewed applicants on an alternate list (waitlist); those students can be admitted later if spots open up. Classes for the DO program generally start in late July, with a white coat ceremony for new students and orientation activities before coursework begins.

Keep an eye on the official RVUCOM admissions website and your email for any updates or changes to these dates. The above timeline is based on the most recent available information, and exact deadlines can occasionally shift from year to year. It’s also worth noting that applying early (in the summer or fall) can not only secure you an earlier interview slot but also means you’ll receive a decision earlier, giving you peace of mind (or a chance to reapply sooner if things don’t go as hoped).

Preparing for an interview at RVUCOM-Southern Utah involves understanding both the school’s identity and the process you’ll be entering. In this guide, we reviewed how the interview format is structured and what to expect, the mission and values that drive the school’s culture, and the unique features of the program that you should know as a candidate. We also discussed current healthcare issues relevant to RVUCOM-SU’s mission (like rural physician shortages and the role of osteopathic medicine) and highlighted the personal qualities and competencies the school looks for beyond academics. By studying common interview question themes, you can prepare thoughtful stories and reflections that align with what RVUCOM-SU values. Finally, keeping track of the application timeline ensures you stay on schedule in this competitive, rolling admissions process. We hope this comprehensive overview has given you a clearer picture of how to approach your RVUCOM-SU interview. Good luck – and remember to be yourself, stay confident, and let your passion for osteopathic medicine shine through!