Educational Initiatives to Address Surgery Workforce Shortages in Rural Washington State.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Rural Health Workforce Development
• Surgical Training

Background:

• The United States faces a shortage of general surgeons, particularly impacting rural areas.
• Rural communities in Washington State experience exacerbated healthcare disparities due to limited access.
• Washington State University College of Medicine (WSU COM) has initiated programs to bolster the rural surgical workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the influence of rural general surgeons on medical students' career trajectories.
• To understand the impact of WSU COM's rural health initiatives on future physicians.
• To identify factors contributing to surgeon retention in rural Washington.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with WSU COM alumni.
• The study was IRB-approved and focused on experiences with rural general surgeons.
• The research explored themes related to medical students' professional development in rural settings.

Main Results:

• Alumni highlighted themes of responsibility, adaptability, and community engagement fostered by rural rotations.
• Exposure to rural practice influenced participants' career path considerations.
• The study identified key attributes developed through rural surgical mentorship.

Conclusions:

• WSU COM's rural initiatives, including longitudinal integrated clerkships and rural rotations, are effective in shaping medical students' careers.
• Mentorship by rural general surgeons plays a crucial role in encouraging physicians to practice in underserved areas.
• Developing post-residency rural surgery training programs is essential for retaining surgeons in Washington State and improving rural healthcare access.