MU program gives future health care providers firsthand look at rural Missouri
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
COLUMBIA, Mo., (KBSI) — A University of Missouri program is giving future health care professionals firsthand experience in rural communities as the state works to address provider shortages and access to care.
The Rural Immersion Program, a partnership between the MU School of Medicine’s Rural Scholars Program and MU Extension, allows students pursuing health care careers to learn about rural health care and community life.
This year, 19 students from Missouri universities spent five days traveling through Grundy, Mercer, Harrison, Gentry and Nodaway counties.
Students met with health care providers, emergency responders, educators, agricultural producers and community leaders to learn about factors affecting health and well-being in rural communities.
The program included tours of health care facilities and discussions about the role’s agriculture, education, economic development and community partnerships play in supporting healthy communities.
Participants also learned about the relationships between rural health care providers and the communities they serve.
One student said hearing rural physician Tammy Hart describe herself as “a friend who is a physician” changed the student’s perspective on community-centered care. Another participant said seeing physicians serve as mentors, volunteers and community leaders strengthened their interest in rural family medicine.
Organizers said recruiting and retaining health care professionals remains important for rural Missouri communities facing provider shortages and challenges accessing care.
The Rural Immersion Program is designed to introduce future providers to the opportunities and challenges of practicing in rural areas while demonstrating the impact they can have on the communities they serve.
