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An accelerated rural training program
James H Stageman1, Robert C Bowman, Jeffrey D Harrison
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-3075, USA.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|April 1, 2003
Summary
This study highlights an accelerated rural training program that successfully places over 50% of graduates in small communities. The program addresses primary care needs by training family practice residents for rural practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Rural Health Training
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Need for enhanced training for residents pursuing rural practice.
- Reluctance of students and policymakers to commit to extended primary care training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an accelerated family practice training program designed for rural practice.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 4-year accelerated program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center starting in 1993.
- Inclusion of a 1-year rural procedures fellowship.
- Requirement for graduates to commit to practicing in rural Nebraska.
Main Results:
- The program has successfully recruited 10 classes.
- Over 50% of program graduates have been placed in communities with populations under 8,000.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in training physicians for rural practice.
Conclusions:
- The program's unique requirements necessitate careful planning for student recruitment and integration.
- Addressing licensure, fellowship training needs, and faculty recruitment is crucial for program success.
- The model shows promise for increasing the number of physicians in underserved rural areas.