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V. Understand the important community role of rural health professionals
The Role of the Rural Community and Practitioner
In a small survey (n=12) of rural faculty, the community role received a top priority for rural curriculum. Surveys of students on rural rotations note many questions in this area. This area is not unique to rural practice, but the bonds between the community and the rural physician are much deeper than in other settings.
Ideally the student will see the practitioner in several settings or even stay at the same home with the preceptor. Students should attend many of the community functions with him or her. Initial impressions of rural docs as "supermen" break down to a view of physicians as human beings with many different needs and supports. Personal exchanges with patients and neighbors will illustrate this important role. Students can explore this and other personal obstacles to their rural decision.
Health professionals in rural communities are leaders and problem-solvers. Leadership is partly a learned response. Rural physicians must have vision and must put aside self interest for the benefit of patients and the community.
Rural experiences are ideal for developing mentors. These one on one relationships are extremely valuable for handing down experiential learning, not just biomedical facts.
Part of the rural experience must deal with the community expectations of the physician. Urban training locations tend to ignore this important component of primary care practice. Rural physicians are often expected to be community leaders. They work with the schools, social service organizations, community developers, and other health care providers.
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