Department of
Medicine

Rural Health Track

The Rural Health Track provides a dedicated track to residents with a desire to practice in a rural health setting and become leaders and advocates for rural healthcare. Residents learn how to function in resource limited areas and navigate the difficulties of practice in rural settings. The Rural Health Track stresses the development of comprehensive practice skills in several outreach sites in the heart of Appalachia.

Track Timeline

Residents can apply during the first year (PGY-1) of categorical training through our Internal Medicine Residency Program. Once selected, the residents will be assigned a faculty mentor and be assisted on membership to the Rural Health Association. Specialized PALS/ATLS certification can be obtained if desired. Residents can craft their rural health curriculum to suit their future practice needs.

During the second year and third year, selected residents will complete a parallel curriculum with a one-month rotation in an off-campus location at a designated site. The site can be chosen based on inpatient or outpatient emphasis per resident request. The resident will also complete an Outreach Health elective during their second and third years, with an option to complete a research elective.

Track Strengths

  • Procedural training for the rural Internist
  • Appalachian Health Disparities and Outreach
  • Familiarity with both inpatient and outpatient work in rural settings

Track Opportunities

  • Opportunity for a rural health clinic as a continuity experience
  • Sub-specialty elective rotations in rural sites, including Cardiology and Nephrology
  • Research opportunities focusing on outreach medicine and health care delivery
  • Hospital medicine and primary care in global health
  • Longitudinal lecture series on rural medicine

Application

The application requires a one-page personal statement detailing your qualifications for this program and your commitment to service in to rural health. Along with your personal statement, you will need to submit your CV and one letter of recommendation. Please email your documents to Sheri Campbell at scampbell@hsc.wvu.edu.

In you are interested or have further questions, please contact our director, Dr. Jenna Sizemore: