Rural/Underserved Observations Experiences (R/UOE) continue to be one of the most important experiences for students in the WWAMI Medical Education Program. Medical students are placed with a preceptor in a rural or underserved clinical site in rural Idaho to encourage primary care careers in clinical practice, in addition to exposure to a rural or underserved community. Preceptors are practicing physicians in rural sites or urban clinics serving the underserved. The Idaho Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has provided support to the program funding travel and housing for the student's experience. One student, Raffaella Betza, recently shadowed Dr. Mary Barinaga at the Benewah Medical Center, Plummer, Idaho, and relates her experience:
"Before beginning medical school I completed a three-day Rural and Underserved Observation Experience shadowing Dr. Mary Barinaga at the Benewah Medical Center...My three days in Plummer exceeded my expectations in every regard. I was able to observe Dr. Barinaga with many patients who presented a wide range of problems from diabetes management to more acute situations....Dr. Barinaga's colleagues were kind enough to allow me to observe them as well, so I was able to observe four physicians during the experience each expressing their own 'style'. I was also able to observe a community health nurse on visits. This opportunity gave me an even deeper insight into the community's population and the myriad factors that govern a patient's health.... "
For more information about Rural/Underserved Observation Experiences, contact Suzanne Allen, MD, MPH, or visit idwwami@u.washington.edu.

Terry Reilly Health Services (TRHS), with corporate offices in Nampa, Idaho, has received news that will improve dental access by 6,000 visits in Idaho's Ada and Canyon counties.

The federal Health Resources and Services Administration approved a $250,000 Oral Health Service Expansion project which will add a full time dentist and dental hygienist at TRHS Canyon Dental, Caldwell; this grant will also increase dentist time at TRHS Boise Dental by two days a week. This ongoing funding will focus on prevention, targeting two groups at risk: pregnant women and diabetics.

A $130,000 Idaho state grant from the new Community Health Center Grant program will allow TRHS Boise Dental to move to a larger site by funding equipment for two additional operatories, as well as needed cabinetry and equipment.

These grants will help expand access to southwestern Idaho's Treasure Valley residents looking for quality dental care, whether they are insured or not. More information about Terry Reilly Health Services.
 

Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare's new Community Health Center Grant Program has awarded grants to improve health care for Idahoans across the state. Benewah Medical Center, Dirne Community Health Center, Family Health Services of Twin Falls and Burley, Glenns Ferry Health Center, Health West in Pocatello, Terry Reilly Health Services in the Treasure Valley, and Upper Valley Community Health Services in St. Anthony were selected to receive grants totaling $1 million. Award details can be found on the Community Health Center News page.

The 2008 NW Community Health Leadership Institute-UWCHL inaugural cohort recently held their graduation ceremony at the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Washington. Congratulations to three Idaho students who completed this graduate level program: Aaron Houston and James Schroeder formerly of Family Health Services, Twin Falls, Idaho and Elizabeth Kerr from Glenns Ferry Health Center in Glenns Ferry, Idaho.

The Leadership Institute graduates included Community and Migrant Health Center Executive Directors, CHOs, COOs, Human Resource Directors and Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Directors, as well as mid-level managers from Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota and Washington.

Pictured below are Elizabeth Kerr of Glenns Ferry Health Center and James Schroeder formerly of Family Health Services.

The Idaho Primary Care Association recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, hosting health care partners and Idaho legislators at a reception highlighting successes and achievements in improving access to primary health care for Idaho's residents. Originally founded by five community health centers in 1983, the Association today supports twelve members. A special highlight of the afternoon's festivities honored "Health Care Heroes," persons who have worked tirelessly to promote the development of federal and state legislative support, to assist with increased access to primary health care.  

Check the photo album for celebration details!