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... Learning in Practice

The Ohio State University Rural Track is one of less than 30 unique rural training track graduate medical education programs across the country, and the first ”2-2-2” integrated RTT. Since June 2000, the program has graduated numerous physicians, all of whom are serving in rural or underserved communities.

One of our graduates says of his experience:

"The OSU Oakhill Rural Family Practice Residency Program provides a unique opportunity for residents pursuing a career in family practice. Residents...learn to practice family medicine in a true-to-life atmosphere with realistic patient populations and resources and are better prepared to practice as graduating physicians."

Two resident physicians each year are matched to this rural track through the National Residency Matching Program. During the three years of training residency physicians live and work in Logan County, Ohio, functioning as partners in a rural practice environment at Mad River Family Practice. In contrast to training in a tertiary hospital or large urban community hospital, the scope of patient encounters more accurately reflects the spectrum of problems a family physician can expect to see in subsequent practice. One unique aspect of the program is a high volume continuity obstetrics practice and mentoring by faculty with a combined experience of more than 2000 deliveries.

Resident physicians participate in the care for their patients on a continuing basis through the three years of residency across inpatient environments, including first assisting in surgical cases and performing any procedures, directly under the supervision of faculty and other medical staff physicians.  Immersion experiences the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and at The Ohio State University Medical Center provide additional intensive training in pediatrics, medical intensive care, cardiology, and sports medicine.

In addition to its rural emphasis, the program demonstrates a style of education and practice

Rural Program Director Randall Longenecker, MD Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine residency@madriverfamilypractice.org

that encourages young physicians to be more mindful in their relationships with patients. It encourages them to attend to more than just the medical facts in a case, addressing the mental, social, and spiritual health of their patients. It teaches physicians to become lifelong learners, continuing to hone their knowledge and skills over time, rather than simply practicing by protocol or from rote memory, and integrating learning through practice. It encourages collaboration with patients, consultants, and faculty.

Another graduate reports:

"The Rural (Program) combines the best of both of two worlds. Time spent at the university, in particular the medical and neonatal ICU, gives you experience handling the toughest cases that get referred to a tertiary care center. It gives you a great feeling of confidence. The rural portion gives you grounding in how practice is handled in the private sector or 'real world.' The combination offers a superb training opportunity."

For more information, visit the Mad River Family Practice web site or contact Dr. Randall Longenecker, Associate Rural Program Director at residency@madriverfamilypractice.org.