Notes from the Field: Tipton experiences rural Appalachia

Meet P4 Payton Tipton, of Jonesborough, TN, who grew up in the Appalachian region and wanted to learn more about the culture as part of her rotation. 

What did you do while on rotation?

PT: For the first part of the rotation, we worked in Rogersville (TN) at a federally qualified health center. We helped out in the pharmacy and counseled patients on their prescriptions. We also did a lot of medication therapy management. For the last week of rotation, we had didactic lectures in the mornings and did fun activities in the afternoons. Activities included: white water rafting, bike riding on the Creeper Trail, hiking to Laurel Falls, a pool party, going to the Country Music Museum, and visiting Asheville. 

What was your favorite part of the rotation?

PT: My favorite part of the rotation was getting to go white water rafting with the group

What surprised you most about the rotation?

PT: How much information we learned about Appalachian culture. I grew up in Appalachia but still learned a lot!

How has the rotation changed your perception of health care in rural areas?

PT: This rotation really opened my eyes to the lack of access to healthcare in rural areas. I didn’t realize that someone people have to travel for hours just to get to the closest healthcare facility.  

How do you believe you made an impact on this rotation?

PT: I had the privilege of counseling several people on their diabetic medications. Some of these patients didn’t understand how to use their insulin devices and through counseling, I was able to help them understand. 

How did Gatton help prepare you for your rotation? 

PT: Dr. Flores was really great about communicating with us before and throughout the rotation to make sure that we had all of the information that we needed. 

How will the rotation assist you in future career goals?

PT: I hope to work in a rural setting and this rotation helped to prepare me to work in this area.