MEL 7258: Elective in Rural or Underserved Medicine (LVHN) 15-16

Contact:

Davida Leayman
Allentown, PA 18101
Ph: 484-862-3067
Davida_M.Leayman@lvhn.org

This is a rural/underserved health elective in which a student will be matched with an AHEC preceptor in the Mahoning Valley, Carbon County, Lehigh County, or Northampton County area.  Responsibilities will largely be assisting with out-patient clinical care in a rural primary care office, though students may be expected to participate in hospital rounds/ER call at a hospital local to the primary practice site (depending upon preceptor).  Coordination of the elective and placement is through East-central PA Area Health Education Center (ECPA AHEC), with office located in Lehighton, PA.  This clerkship might include a daily commute of up to 60 minutes from LVHN- Cedar Crest.  Housing within the local community will not be provided.  Students should also note that "rural/underserved" is a relative term.  Many areas within 60 minutes of LVHN-Cedar Crest fit the definition and are typical of rural Pennsylvania.  However, these are not REMOTE rural communities, which have a different flavor and feel.  Students interested in a remote experience should consider other options.    

Goals and Objectives

1. Compare and contrast the health needs and problems encountered in rural or underserved practice to those encountered in prior urban practice rotations
2. Identify the unique opportunities and challenges to medical practice and life in a rural or underserved community
3. Introduce/sensitize the student to cross-cultural issues in health care
4. Understand the mechanisms and indications for consultation and referral in rural or underserved practice settings
5. Evaluate the business management of rural or underserved practice, including availability of organized funding for patient care, managed care, etc.

Organization of Elective

1. Arrangements for a specific time commitment will be made through the Department of Family Medicine.
2. The student will accompany the clinic physician Monday through Friday at the designated clinic site, will see patients, and will perform procedures assigned by the preceptor under his/her supervision.
3. At certain locations opportunities are available for additional practice activities within the hospital, emergency department, and in the community.

Evaluation 

The assigned faculty preceptor will provide an individual evaluation addressing the student's adaptability and understanding as well as knowledge, judgment, and rapport.

Availability