Author ORCID Identifier
Victoria Sanchez – 0009-0007-2180-1172
Christie Zachary – 0009-0003-2086-7576
April Vestal – 0009-0001-0675-8214
Megan Govindan – 0009-0000-7353-575X
A. Brianna Sheppard - 0000-0002-1235-2295
Keywords
rural healthcare, pipeline, shadowing, undergraduate
Disciplines
Dental Public Health and Education | Interprofessional Education | Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
Grant Award Number
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Rural Health Initiative: 2016-RHI-1; 2018-RHI-2; 2019-RHI-2; 2021-RHI-2; 2023-RHI-3; 24*4360
Abstract
Background: Addressing rural healthcare provider shortages requires approaches to inspire and prepare future generations for rural health careers. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the impact of an undergraduate rural shadowing pipeline program in advancement to graduate health professional school and future rural practice.
Methods: Baccalaureate-level students from multiple cohorts (2016-2021) who participated in the [University] Rural Undergraduate Shadowing in Healthcare Program completed surveys to assess their experience immediately following program completion. Descriptive statistics of end of program and follow-up surveys conducted 2023 were examined to evaluate the undergraduate pipeline program’s effectiveness.
Results: From 2016-2021, 26 students participated in the rural undergraduate shadowing program. End-of-program evaluation was completed by 25 participants who reported that the quality of the shadowing experience was excellent or very good, and the experience increased their understanding of what it is like to be a health practitioner in a rural area. Twenty-one program completers responded to a follow-up survey in July 2023. Most participants had begun a graduate health professional program and still intend to practice as a health professional in a medically underserved and/or rural area. Two participants have graduated from their health professional program. One is continuing training as a medical resident with plans to work in a rural area and the other is currently practicing in a rural setting in West Virginia.
Conclusions: High quality shadowing opportunities provided through a structured program increase understanding of and interest in rural health and support the rural healthcare pipeline during undergraduate education.
Recommended Citation
Sanchez V, Zachary C, Vestal AL, Govindan MC, Sheppard A.
Rural Undergraduate Shadowing Program Bolsters Interest in Rural Healthcare Careers.
Marshall J Med.
2026;
12(1)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1510.
