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The Upper Peninsula Program: a successful model for increasing primary care physicians in rural areas
N K Brazeau1, M J Potts, J M Hickner
1Upper Peninsula Campus of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Escanaba 49829.
Family Medicine
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Michigan State University's rural medical education program successfully trains physicians for rural primary care. Graduates are more likely to practice in rural areas and choose family medicine.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Rural Health
- Physician Workforce Development
Background:
- The Upper Peninsula Medical Education Program (UP) was established in 1974 by Michigan State University.
- The program aimed to increase the number of physicians serving rural Michigan communities.
- Training was conducted in a rural, practice-based setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success of the UP Program in achieving its goals.
- To compare UP graduates with downstate MSU graduates regarding practice outcomes.
- To identify factors influencing rural practice choices.
Main Methods:
- A mail survey was administered to practicing UP Program graduates (N=28).
- Responses were compared to a random sample of downstate MSU graduates (N=57).
- Data collected included practice location, specialty choice, and training background.
Main Results:
- UP Program graduates demonstrated a higher propensity for rural origins and rural practice.
- Graduates were more likely to specialize in primary care, particularly family practice.
- UP graduates indicated that rural residency training correlates with increased rural practice.
Conclusions:
- The rural UP Program has been effective in producing physicians committed to rural primary care.
- The program's approach successfully addresses the need for rural healthcare providers.
- Rural residency training appears to be a key factor in retaining practitioners in underserved areas.