An accelerated rural training program.
BACKGROUND
Several authors have pointed out the need for enhanced training for those residents contemplating rural practices. Most students and policy makers are reluctant to commit to primary care training beyond the required 3 years.


METHODS
The University of Nebraska Medical Center received approval for an accelerated family practice training program in 1993, and developed a 4-year program that requires a 1-year rural procedures fellowship and a commitment to practice in rural Nebraska.


RESULTS
The Nebraska accelerated rural training program has recruited 10 classes to this program and has placed more than 50% of the graduates in communities with a population of less than 8,000.


CONCLUSIONS
The requirements of this program are unique. Special consideration must address the issues of recruitment of students, integration into the basic program, licensure issues, determination of fellowship training needs, and faculty recruitment.
Stageman
James H
JH
Department of Family Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-3075, USA.
Bowman
Robert C
RC
Harrison
Jeffrey D
JD
D003479:Curriculum; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008004:Licensure; D017145:Models, Educational; D009329:Nebraska; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors