Interim evaluation of the Rural Health Scholars Program.

Background: The imperative to address physician maldistribution has been directed in part at medical schools.

Description: The Rural Health Scholars Program (RHSP) is an enrichment initiative that has been implemented at 2 medical schools to increase the number of students likely to practice primary care in rural, underserved areas. It is a longitudinal program that includes a skill-building workshop; a 5-week summer preceptorship with community-based preceptors in rural, underserved areas; and opportunities to return to preceptorship sites during 3rd- and 4th-year rotations. Students also attend community-based and teleconference seminars and workshops, as well as informal social gatherings.

Evaluation: A static-group comparison design was used to compare program participants with nonparticipants regarding residency program types and locations.

Conclusions: The RHSP is meeting some interim objectives conducive to its long-term goal of developing physicians who will practice primary care medicine in rural, underserved areas of North Carolina.