An innovative method for preparation for rural practice: the high school rural scholars program.
Recent studies have shown that the most effective strategy to increase the number of practicing rural physicians is to admit more students with affinity for rural practice to medical school. A significant limitation of this strategy is the generally lower scores made on standardized tests by those from smaller high schools in rural areas. Although once admitted these students perform on a par with their urban counterparts, admission remains an obstacle for many. This report summarizes the second year of an innovative program that placed rising high school seniors in shadowing opportunities in their home towns while providing preparation for the ACT exam in a virtual classroom environment. Results show that the 20 students involved increased their knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of health care in their towns as well as their understanding of how various health professionals function. The ACT composite score increased by 1.2 points, to 23. The reading and science subscores showed the largest increase. Although labor-intensive for the coordinators, the program was successful in meeting the stated goals.
Crump
William J
WJ
University of Louisville/Trover Foundation, Off Campus Teaching Center, Madisonville, USA.
Fricker
R Steve
RS
Moore
Amanda N
AN
Coakley
Virginia L
VL
D000293:Adolescent; D002321:Career Choice; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004516:Education, Premedical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D012577:Schools, Medical