Students Plan Rural Physician Lecture Series

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2010) − About 43 percent of Kentucky's population lives in rural areas, but only 28 percent of the state's physicians practice in rural areas. With the support of Dr. Jay Perman, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and vice president for clinical affairs, medical students in the Ambassador Program at the UK College of Medicine have created a lecture series to help bridge that gap by encouraging medical students to consider practicing in rural areas upon completion of medical training.

"The Ambassadors suggested the development of a lecture series where we have rural practitioners come to UK and speak with our student body about the practice of rural medicine," said Carol Elam, UK College of Medicine associate dean for admissions and institutional advancement. "The students are interested in hearing from physicians practicing in rural areas across the state, and who are practicing both primary care and specialty care."

The lecture series provides the opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities involved in practicing medicine in various parts of the state. Medical students will also learn about working in rural hospitals and clinics and can explore loan forgiveness programs and employment opportunities.

Dr. Emery Wilson, director of UK’s Office of Health and Research Development, shared information about the current health of Kentucky during the first lecture.

"We have some of the highest rates of smoking and obesity problems in the country," said Wilson. “Other problems include everything from lack of students graduating from high school to a premature death rate. We lose a lot of productivity in our population because of Kentucky's health disparities. What we need most are more young physicians willing to practice in rural areas."

Dr. John Furcolow, UK College of Medicine class of 1983, shared advice from his experience as a rural physician in Prestonsburg.

"Have an idea of what you want to do when you get out there, and get the maximum out of your training," said Furcolow. "Be aware of what you can and cannot do."

Furcolow's experiences as a rural physician included owning a private practice, practicing internal medicine at the Veteran Affairs Prestonsburg Primary Care Clinic, and creating a clinic for those suffering with arthritis.

"The purpose of this lecture series is to try to build our path, and relationships with others, to see if we can see ourselves doing what they have done," said Andrew Papoy, UK medical student.

The UK College of Medicine Ambassadors Program was also created to send medical students to middle schools in Kentucky to talk to young students about science and health and to inspire them to pursue health care careers, particularly as a physician.