Interim Evaluation of the Rural Health Scholars Program

Abstract

The imperative to address physician maldistribution has been directed in part at medical schools. The Rural Health Scholars Program (RHSP) is an enrichment initiative that has been implemented at 2 medical schools to increase the number of students likely to practice primary care in rural, underserved areas. It is a longitudinal program that includes a skill-building workshop; a 5-week summer preceptorship with community-based preceptors in rural, underserved areas; and opportunities to return to preceptorship sites during 3rd- and 4th-year rotations. Students also attend community-based and teleconference seminars and workshops, as well as informal social gatherings. A static-group comparison design was used to compare program participants with nonparticipants regarding residency program types and locations. The RHSP is meeting some interim objectives conducive to its long-term goal of developing physicians who will practice primary care medicine in rural, underserved areas of North Carolina.