MD ID 6555 - Health Systems in Tribal, Rural, and Underserved Communities

Significant health disparities in the United States are a growing concern. To successfully address these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach across all aspects of the health care delivery system, and society more broadly. Developing a comprehensive understanding of tribal, rural, and underserved (TRU) population health and the inequities with which these communities contend, is vital for all physicians to understand, especially for those who intend to enter TRU primary care. This course, the second in a series for students interested in developing foundational knowledge in TRU health and who are working towards completing the TRUE Certificate, will explore tribal, rural, and underserved (TRU) health care systems, delivery, and resources, the knowledge required to address health challenges and disparities in TRU populations, and implement solutions to these intransigent problems. Though this course is required for the TRUE Certificate, it has no prerequisite requirements and can be completed by any medical student who desires to explore TRU health care systems, delivery, and resources. Students taking this course will have the unique opportunity to develop a longitudinal relationship with a primary care clinical mentor. Students (OPTIONAL Opt-in opportunity for 0.5 credit) will be paired with a primary care physician (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB-Gyn, or Pediatrics, depending on interest and mentor availability), allowing for a rich clinical mentor-mentee relationship to develop over the course of the semester. Students will spend a minimum of 4 clinical sessions during the semester, though, depending on time and mentor availability, more sessions can be scheduled.