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Tammy Dodds, M.D. |
Many of those young health care professionals returned to rural towns in Nebraska where they live and practice today. Here is a look at one of those professionals in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the RHOP program.
Tami Dodds, M.D., practices family medicine at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, Neb. She travels to satellite clinics in Fullerton and Newman Grove, as well. Dr. Dodds and her husband, Bill, have three boys: Harrison, 6, Owen, 5, and Austin, 2.
How do you feel your participation in the RHOP program affected your career as a rural health practitioner?
Through RHOP I was able to pursue my goal of practicing in rural Nebraska. The competition and demands of medical training are great, and with RHOP there was always a tremendous amount of peer and faculty support and encouragement.
What was your most memorable moment as a student and now as a practitioner?
Some of my most memorable moments were witnessing childbirth for the first time as a high school student shadowing a doctor in Albion, then actually performing my first delivery as a medical student, and eventually delivering my own patients as an attending physician.
Who is one instructor from your education that had the greatest influence on you? Why?
In particular, Dr. Joel Travis, who was a prior graduate from the primary care program and now one of my partners, really encouraged me to pursue a career in rural medicine. He was always willing to provide a lot of hands on experience and practical advice.
Why are you practicing where you are now?
My husband farms here, our family is from the area, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of physicians and staff to work with. It is a great place to raise a family.
What benefits do you feel your practice has brought to your community?
We have a very compatible group of six physicians and four physician assistants who all give excellent care. We have watched our hospital grow and flourish. It has stimulated our local economy in creating more jobs and opportunities and has attracted more people to our town knowing that they can receive quality health care here.