Download, complete, print and submit the
application
to
Christy Old, MA213, DC018.00,
Columbia, MO. 65212. Students are required to submit only one
cover sheet no matter how many fellowship programs they apply to. The deadline
is Friday, March 20, 2009.
Contact
Nancy Franklin
(573) 882-0068
E-mail
franklinn@health.missouri.edu
As a part of the School of Medicine's commitment to addressing physician maldistribution
in rural Missouri counties, faculty created three longitudinal programs to solidify
student interest in rural practice.
One of these programs is the MU-AHEC Summer Community Program. This
program, coordinated by the MU-AHEC program office, is a four to eight-week experience
where students apply and are selected between their first and second years of medical
school. This program combines a preceptorial experience with rural living. Students
are taught in a rural practice by an approved rural practitioner and sponsored by
a rural local hospital. The local hospitals supply a stipend per student, as well
as room and board where possible. Students completing a four-week experience receive
a $1,000 stipend; for a six-week experience receive a $1,500 stipend; for an eight-week
experience, students receive a $2,000 stipend. Local coordination and some housing
is provided by the Missouri AHEC centers.
Goals and Objectives
The overall goal of the MU-AHEC Summer Community Program is to increase the
number of physicians in rural Missouri. The program accomplishes this goal by recruiting
the appropriate students, providing appropriate role models, and training students
in rural settings.
The Summer Community Program contributes to the overall goal by providing an opportunity
to live and learn in a rural community.
The goals of the Summer Community Program include:
- Increase knowledge of rural practice by working with an experienced preceptor.
- Learn about the different specialties commonly available in rural communities.
- Improve clinical skills in history-taking, physical examination, assessment and medical management.
- Explore common acute and chronic clinical problems.
- Compare medical practice in a community setting to practice in an academic health center.
MU-AHEC Summer Community Program Sites
Click here to download a list of sites available
in 2009.
Application Process
In February, students will receive information about the program. Students complete
a brief application form on which they are asked to express their reasons for wanting
to participate in the program and to select three locations of preference. In addition,
students are required to attach a current curricula vitae to the application form.
Students must be in good academic standing. Students with an expressed interest
in rural practice are given preference, as are those with a likelihood of returning
to the sponsoring hospitals' area.
Student Responsibilities
Consistent with the program goals, the student's responsibilities include participation
in the medical practice of the preceptor(s). Students are expected to identify learning
issues based on their clinical encounters and to address these learning issues during
the course of 4-8 weeks. Students are expected to participate in clinical activities
as determined by the preceptor. Other experiences, such as simple procedures, may
be pursued under the direct supervision of the preceptor.
Students complete required clinical experience documentation cards, pre-and post-questionnaires,
and other program information.
At all times, MU medical students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner
consistent with professional standards and norms. Students are also expected to
attend all meetings and participate in all activities determined by the preceptor
to contribute to medical education.
Preceptor Responsibilities
The preceptors work with students in their office and hospital practice. Sometimes
students assume an observatory role, but they should be given progressive responsibilities
for patient care as determined by the preceptor. The preceptors are role models
for the students. They are encouraged to talk with the students about their role
in the community, their hobbies, and their interests outside of work.
Grading
Students are graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis (S/U) at the end of the
summer. The grade is based on the preceptors' evaluation. When available, preceptor
comments will be compiled on the student's gradesheet for the student's academic
file. Students receive a copy of their gradesheet for review. Since the experience
is recorded on the students' transcripts, students are covered under the University
of Missouri's malpractice plan.
Quotes
"I learned so much from the doctor, nurses, and receptionists about how a rural
clinic operates. The physician I worked with was eager to explain and teach me new
things. I learned so much more by actually getting to do all of these things rather
than just observing while the physician does them. I had a wonderful experience!"
"My preceptor was extremely knowledgeable not only on all matters of patient care,
but also regarding the practical business aspects of practicing medicine today.
He was willing to share a lifetime of experience with someone like me who is just
starting out. He was very generous with his time. I was fortunate to develop a personal
as well as a professional relationship with my preceptor."
"My preceptor was wonderful! I could ask him anything and not feel stupid. He was
so caring and his patients though the world of him - so did I. He represented the
kind of compassion and warmth that I really want in my own practice.
"All our preceptors and the staff welcomed us with open arms and as a result I felt
like I was (and had been for a long time) a part of that community. It felt like
home. THANKS, I HAD A GREAT TIME."
"I don't know what specialty I will go into, but I definitely want to go back to
that area and practice medicine."
"I will be comparing doctor/patient relationships to those that I saw as the gold
standard. All of my preceptors had wonderful interaction and know patients extensively
from outside the office. Secondly, I believe that I have expanded my horizons involving
where I wish to practice medicine. Whereas before I was unclear about whether I
would enjoy a small town community, I now believe that I could be quite happy and
professionally fulfilled."
"Being in such close contact with a doctor for an extended period of time really
gave me an idea about what a small town Doc does outside of the office as well,
i.e. hospice meetings, nursing home visits, school board meetings, etc."
"I had intentions of practicing in a rural area. This experience has made me even
more sure that it is what I want to do...I truly enjoyed the family practice, and
now I'm leaning more in that direction."
"All my preceptors were wonderful and VERY willing to teach. I felt completely comfortable
here and still challenged at the same time. The doctors went out of their way to
give me educational, interesting and diverse experiences."