Escapers Vs Stayers

It is important for committees that are interested in what happens to graduates to consider whether a student really wants to return to a rural area, or whether they are desiring to escape. Sometimes difficult, but like anything it takes training.

At a recent Chadron Health Career Fair, some of the students came up afterward and questioned whether they could do the RHOP program, and then not go into rural areas afterward. It was clear that they had no intention of being in a rural community at this point. I am sure that their story will change as they near application deadlines for this program, or for medical school, but clearly they are escapers. At other times it is more difficult to tell who plays to return, and who plans to escape.

Some interview questions

Ask what do they plan to do for recreation, and then see if they have plans that are thought out and realistic. Those without a clue as to how they can do these recreational things from a small town setting, are not really interested in small town practice. If they have reasonable plans to continue these, this is in their favor. If they have recreational plans readily available in rural areas, this is a big plus, from the literature as well as experience.
Activities such as shadowing, research - not having any may be a plus regarding whether the candidate is interested in rural practice. Having a lot, especially regarding research, may mean that the applicant is too polished or has professional parents and is less likely to return.
High achievement test scores also might lead to further questioning.
Relationship to town, teachers, key townspeople - those with many connections are more likely to have bonded with the town and appreciate this kind of relationship.
Asking them what how their parents would feel about them returning to their rural town or another one like it - respect for parents, close family relationships, and a lack of parents telling them to expand their horizons elsewhere are good signs regarding stayers.

Admissions Package

Primary Care Retention

Physician Workforce Studies