Training Physicians to Serve, Lead, and Innovate in Rural Communities
| The Geisel School of Medicine’s Rural Health Pathway of Concentration is a four-year, co-curricular program designed to prepare community-responsive physician leaders to address the persistent shortage of physicians in rural and underserved communities. Built on early engagement through the Rural Health Scholars interest group, the Pathway offers a longitudinal, scaffolded experience that integrates education, leadership development, immersive clinical training, and community-engaged scholarship. Its innovative two-tier structure creates both an inclusive community of interest and a selective, high-commitment cohort, anchored by a “Rural Triad” clinical model spanning academic medical centers, community hospitals, and advanced rural immersion. Organized around four foundational pillars—longitudinal curriculum, competency-based learning, immersive clinical experiences, and a community-engaged scholarly project—the Pathway develops expertise across key domains including comprehensive rural care, public health partnership, health systems navigation, and resilient leadership. Through seamless integration with existing Geisel programs and clear outcome measures, the Pathway positions Geisel as a national leader in rural medical education while advancing health equity and strengthening the rural physician workforce. |  👉 Program Guide👉 Student Checklist 👉 SharePoint (current students) |
🧭 Mission
The Rural Health Scholars (RHS) program is a pre-clerkship co-curricular interest group that supports students in developing skills to become community-responsive physician leaders, under the direction of a Faculty Advisor. Ultimately, we hope that as future physician leaders, Geisel graduates who participated in RHS will be dedicated to advancing health equity in rural, under-resourced areas through learning experiences, clinical competency, leadership training, advocacy, and scholarship, in collaboration and in service of the populations they aim to serve.
The RHS Pathway of Concentration provides an opportunity for continued professional learning, growth, and development through a comprehensive 4-year framework, building on the foundational RHS pre-clerkship program.
🔭 Vision
We envision a future where all rural communities have equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive healthcare. This future will be led by skilled, dedicated, and community-focused leaders committed to improving health outcomes in rural populations. We will create a sustainable and impactful pathway that supports both the personal and professional development of medical students, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve rural communities.
Core Graduate Competencies
Upon completion of the Rural Health Pathway, students will demonstrate proficiency across core competencies that enable them to deliver equitable, culturally responsive care, engage ethically with communities, and lead effectively in complex health systems.
- The Rural Comprehensive Clinician – Provides safe, effective, and adaptable care in rural and resource-limited settings.
- The Community & Public Health Partner – Builds equitable, sustainable partnerships and engages ethically with communities to improve health outcomes.
- The Health Systems Navigator – Understands and works effectively within rural health systems to optimize care delivery and access.
- The Resilient Leader & Innovator – Leads with adaptability, reflection, and innovation in challenging and diverse rural healthcare environments.
| Leadership & Administration | |||
 Faculty Advisor Martin F. Keil, MD |
 Pathways Director Terri Eastman, MEd |
 Pathways Coordinator Merilee Perkins |
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| Student Leaders | |||
 Luka Villani, Class of 2029 |
 Joshua Kennedy, Class of 2029 |
 Emma Jacobs, Class of 2028 |
 Gabriela Sanders, Class of 2028 |
 Erin Kelly, Class of 2027 |
 Nevin Fowler, Class of 2027 |
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