Rural Health Initiative

RURAL HEALTH INITIATIVE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The Rural Health Initiative program mission is to enhance the rural primary care curriculum at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in order to produce graduates uniquely qualified to practice medicine in rural/underserved communities of West Virginia.

ALL

WVSOM STUDENTS

are required to complete a minimum of three clinical rural rotations before graduation.

1,436

RURAL ROTATIONS

were performed by WVSOM students in 2014-15, more than any other medical school in West Virginia and one of the top in the nation.

140

WVSOM STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS

participated in RHI Rural Practice Day, a training exercise for multiple agencies from across the state including the WV National Guard and first responder organizations.

9,157

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

were introduced to rural medicine opportunities through RHI pipeline activities.

16

RURAL PHYSICIANS

serve as mentors to encourage WVSOM students, reinforce student interest in rural primary care practice and demonstrate the quality of life in a rural community.

1st

IN THE NATION

among all medical schools graduating physicians who practice in rural areas. (Academic Medicine)

3rd

IN THE NATION

for the percentage of medical school graduates entering primary care specialties. (U.S.News & World Report)