Appalachian Preceptorship
COVID-19 Notice: The 2020 Appalachian Preceptorship was converted to a virtual experience due to the pandemic. We hope to be able to open the 2021 application period this spring, if it is safe to do so. Please check back for further updates.
THE APPALACHIAN PRECEPTORSHIP
The Appalachian Preceptorship is designed to expose medical students to rural primary
care practiced in a manner sensitive to the culture. Students will participate in
one week of didactic sessions on the ETSU campus and spend three weeks with a rural
physician practicing in an Appalachian community. Students will benefit from the cross-cultural
experience, whether they choose to practice in Appalachia, urban areas or other communities
throughout the nation.
This elective is approved for credit as a required ambulatory or family medicine rotation,
or as a senior elective. Students that have completed their first year of medical
school through their fourth year are eligible.
Students will spend three weeks with a physician practicing in a rural Appalachian
community. The preceptors are dedicated to excellence in patient care and community
relationships, and they serve as role models for students. The nature of the clinical
and community involvement will vary based on the student's level of training and interest,
as well as the individual characteristics of the practice.
The week of didactic sessions is comprised of concentrated lectures on such subjects
as Appalachian history and economics, rural health issues, alternative health systems
and, interviewing from a cultural and personal perspective using the patient centered
method. All lectures hold special significance for rural family practitioners, especially
in the Appalachian region. Several area rural physicians participate in panel discussions
in which they share information about their community involvement and describe what
it is like to practice in a rural community. In addition, field trips may be scheduled
to look at a variety of models of health care delivery in the area, local economics,
and culturally sanctioned health care alternatives. A variety of recreational activities
are planned each year, depending on the interests of each group. Past activities have
included white water rafting, hiking, backpacking, boating and fishing, biking, and
trips to local attractions.
A Stipend is Provided ~ 1,000.00
Responsible Faculty:
Amanda Stoltz, MD., FAAFP
Carolyn Sliger, MSEH
The preceptorship is offered during the summer and is four weeks in duration. The
didactic portion will be offered once during June.
It is common for students from different schools to have different beginning and ending
dates for the overall preceptorship.
Application Process
The 2021 applications cycle has yet to be determined, and ten students will be selected who have completed at least one year of medical school and in good standing with their school. Additional applicants will be put on a wait list.
Please complete the online application . Those accepted into the program will be notified via email.
For additional information about this Program contact:
Carolyn Sliger
Rural Programs Coordinator
sliger@etsu.edu
(423) 439-6737
Read more about this program on the Rural Health Information Hub website