The Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center hosted two summer experience programs for medical students with a focus on maternal health and pediatrics. These six-week programs provided medical students with the unique opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience alongside rural physicians in clinics across the state.
This year, the Maternal Health Observership welcomed eight rising second-year medical students—seven from Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) and one from Morehouse School of Medicine—who were interested in obstetrics and gynecology. The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholars Summer Program hosted two rising second-year medical students from MUSM who were both awarded the scholarship. Through rotations at numerous rural clinics, these students gained valuable insights into the opportunities in rural communities.
“My favorite part was visiting the rural pediatric clinic sites,” said Tre Steel, rising second-year medical student and rural pediatric scholar. “Visiting these sites provided me with the opportunity to see what it truly means to be a rural pediatric physician.”
In addition to clinic visits, students participated in several activities, including the 2024 Maternal Health Symposium, the summer program speaker series, and journal club discussions that gave students the chance to discuss relevant maternal health and pediatric research.
The summer program’s speaker series allowed students to engage in open discussions on a range of topics. Jimmie Smith, Jr., MD, MPH, administrator of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department, spoke about the integration of primary care and public health, while State Rep. Matt Hatchett, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and director of development at MUSM, discussed health care advocacy through legislation.
Hands-on experiences were an important part of the two summer programs. Keisha Callins, MD, MPH, Community Health Care Systems physician, guided the students through a mobile ultrasound experience with Sarah Neaves, an alumna of the 2022 Maternal Health Observership Summer Program who is pregnant with twins.
“The exposure to physicians and their day-to-day work was incredibly valuable,” said Jaclyn Small, Maternal Health Observership program participant from Morehouse. She noted that the summer experience provided her with concrete evidence of the need for OB-GYNs and the impact that access to an OB-GYN can have on women’s lives.
On July 10, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta invited students to Egleston Hospital and the Center for Advanced Pediatrics (CAPS) for a full day of learning and shadowing. The day began with a resident lecture on pediatric emergency room traumas, followed by a Q&A session and tour of the Egleston Hospital by the chief residents. At CAPS, students heard from Marc Welsh, MPH, Children’s chief diversity officer and vice president of child advocacy and from Rachel Whaley, MSW, wellness program coordinator.
Students also shadowed physicians in multiple pediatric specialties and observed appointments in neurology, pulmonology, nephrology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and behavioral and mental health.
Students conducted translational research and proposed solutions on topics related to maternal or child health during the six-week program. They presented their findings at the awards luncheon on July 26. Topics covered pediatric obesity, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and the closure of rural hospitals and obstetric units.
“I chose to research the closure of rural hospitals and OB units,” said Abbie Earnest, MUSM Maternal Health Observership program participant. “My hometown’s hospital closed its OB unit the summer I started medical school. More research is needed on the impact of these closures on minority populations served by these hospitals.”
Reflecting on their summer experiences, students expressed enthusiasm for their future careers in rural health care. “I am excited to pursue a career in women’s health in a rural community,” said Shea Kelley, MUSM Maternal Health Observership program participant. “It seems like a rewarding path to follow.”