Advancing Rural Health Equity and Civic Health through Medical Student Community Engagement

Project Description Narrative:

Rural health disparities are a serious health issue, as 30% of Wisconsin’s population lives in rural areas. In many of the state’s rural areas, including central Wisconsin, diversity is increasing—with growth of the Hispanic population, including uncounted undocumented individuals who make up a substantial portion of the local workforce.

This project will identify strategies to cultivate empathy and trust between physicians and the rural communities they serve through civic engagement. Targeting rural and Hispanic communities in Marathon County and the seven surrounding counties, researchers aim to increase student training and engagement in rural areas, increasing the number of physicians in rural central Wisconsin and also preparing students to advance health equity in these communities.

Fostering the Medical College of Wisconsin values of caring, collaboration, curiosity, inclusivity, integrity, and respect, medical students will develop skills to support their engagement and collaboration in rural communities navigating disparities.