The Rural Surgeons
Film
Project
Students & Residents
Let's face it: Medical School and Residency are tough. If you are interested in going rural, it's even tougher! Right now, GME is not geared toward the needs of a rural practice. So if you are interested in joining the rural elite, you need to know where to start!
Is rural right for me?
Right now there is a huge demand for surgeons of all specialties in rural areas, but they won't just take anyone. Here's what they are looking for:
Broad Skill Set
This goes for all specialties (including general surgery). The more you can do, the more of an asset you become.
Strong Work Ethic
It takes a lot of revenue to run a hospital or clinic. The more they can keep in-house, the better! Be willing to use ALL of your skills.
Know Your Limits
With the willingness to do the work, comes the great responsibility of knowing your limits. Reputation is your only marketing tool in the rural setting, and good or bad, everyone will know.
Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery
This certification is an unparalleled measure of quality.
Fellow of The American College of Surgeons
This is a mark of dedication to your craft. It not only proves your hunger for self-improvement, but showcases your desire to play an active role in bettering surgery in your state, country, and the world.
A Happy Spouse
You can work anywhere, but if your spouse won't be happy living in a rural community, it won't work out for you.
Schools w/ Rural Tracks
Looking for a rural job?
Scholarships & Grants
Chances are, your school or the state where you are interested in practicing have money set aside to assist you!
Special Interest Groups
The American College of Surgeons is a great resource for students, residents, fellows and practicing surgeons. ACS promotes and safeguards the highest standards of surgical care, and they're taking a big interest in rural medicine. Please welcome their first new council since 1988: The Advisory Council for Rural Surgery!
Advisory Council for Rural Surgery
The ACRS was established in 2012 to identify, investigate and rectify the challenges of rural surgical practice. They have been hard at work developing relationships and programs to create a solid support system for surgeons and surgeons-in-training. They have already created a list-serve and the Society for Young Rural Surgeons.
Society for Young Rural Surgeons
Just hatching, the Society for Young Rural Surgeons is a growing community of rural and international physicians interested in serving those with limited resources. They offer a mentoring program!
Provides our government recommendations to improve American health & health care.
American Medical Association Alliance
This family-oriented network of physicians and their spouces has been around since 1922. They are active on both state and national levels. The AMA Alliance represents all stages of the medical lifestyle from physician education through retirement. This is a great way to include family in your passion for medicine!
Rural General Surgery Coalition
A network of well-informed and action-oriented folks looking to solidify the access to general surgery for rural populations. E-mail Jonathan Sprague to join!
2010 - present
2010 - present
*The Rural Surgeons Film Project is not affiliated with any of these organizations. If there's a resource you'd like us to add, send us an e-mail!