The simple answer is no. Please direct those needs or questions to your local RFD or primary care provider. RFD may blog or present general medical knowledge or research that is intended to benefit rural patients, communities and providers. However, this is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be construed as such. If further questions please email info@ruralfamilydoc.ocm.

In medicine as in other industries, a profitable enterprise is generally more likely to be sustainable and thus provide more lasting benefits to rural patients, providers and communities. While RFD is a for-profit business, 10% of those profits will be donated to the rural premedi scholarship annually. Also the fundamental mission of RFD is to help recruit future rural family physicians and support current ones so that they can help meet the needs medical needs of rural America.

The blog format is intended to promote efficient transfer of information using the standard "SOAP" note methodology. This was done to help readers navigate information quickly. Please refer to the "Start Here" page for more detailed explaination.

Odds are I am on call or in the wilderness. Either way, I apologize for delay in response. My goal is to respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours. Thanks for understanding.

1. Grit- see blog post 2. Be genuine and get involved in medical service/training that fits with your goals. 3. Find a mentor (RFD can give you suggestions) 4. Read everything that pertains to your passion for medicine 5. There is no magic formula, everyone is unique and there process into medical school will follow suit. RFD is happy to consult to help you figure out your skill set and how it will better the lives of patients and communities (as medicine is a career founded in service no doubt).

Absolutely. Before you invest years of your life and >$200,000 in loans, shadowing helps you clarify if the career is a good fit. My advice, reach out to physicians or healthcare providers that inspire you or have interesting careers. You never know how far it will take you. My letter to Dr. Jones in Cottonwood changed the entire trajectory of my life, for which I am entirely thankful for.

Unfortunately, costs are a barrier for many applicants. To help with this, RFD has started a premed scholarship to help defray some of the cost. Details can be found here.