This July, Faith Nuss, a pre-med student at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) spent a week in Clinton exploring what it means to be a physician working in rural Illinois. “Before RHE, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go into rural medicine, but in rural medicine, you are able to build relationships, you are more valued than a doctor in a big city,” she said.

RHE participant Faith Nuss poses poses in front of Warner Hospital, where she witnessed so numerous facets of hospital care.

Faith grew up outside the town of Loami, population 800, in central Illinois. Her interest in medicine began when her father had a heart attack and they drove him into Springfield in the family car – a 40 minute drive. She was also very aware of the demand for local caregivers as farmers have accidents and injuries, women have babies and other conditions emerge that need urgent attention.

During her weeklong experience, Faith rotated through several departments at Warner Hospital and Health Services, including surgery, the emergency room, physical therapy, pharmacy, the laboratory and walk-in clinic. She appreciated the broad experience, being able to witness so many facets of hospital care.

“The healthcare professionals were enthused about their jobs and were helpful in guiding me and allowing me to shadow them,” she recalled. “My favorite part was getting to see the surgical suite. One of the nurses gave me a fascinating tour – it was very interesting.”

She also spent time with community-based service providers, including the DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department, Encore Developmental Services, Heritage Behavioral Health Center, and the DeWitt County Drug Court. She learned about professional roles and responsibilities and observed how they work together and interact with the patients and program participants. “Drug Court was very interesting – it can really teach you empathy for the patients you will be serving,” she recalled.

Her host, Sharon Mills of Central Illinois AHEC, made sure there was time to explore Clinton. “Clinton felt like a real city, there’s lots of stuff to do, everyone was very friendly and I met so many people. I was able to attend a Rotary Club meeting with the hospital CEO,” she said. She continued, “I met the coroner, judge and several community members. And later, I ran into the hospital pharmacist at the local Dairy Queen – I felt like I was getting to know people even in that short amount of time.” Faith was also able to meet with some Future Farmers of America members and meet one of their show pigs.

When asked to reflect on the pressing local needs she observed, Faith mentioned pediatric care, obstetrics and farm-related injuries. She was impressed with the tight-knit community feeling. “In one week, I was able to see people I knew. You will know your doctor. You will be able to be a real family doctor,” she said.

Faith felt the experience exceeded her expectations and affirmed her desire to work in healthcare. “The hospital staff and community members were extremely kind and helpful,” she said. “The health care professionals were enthused about their jobs and were helpful in guiding me and allowing me to shadow them. I recognized how valuable these small health care centers are, and how helpful they are for the surrounding communities.”

She concluded by saying that “it was a privilege to go through this program. The Rural Health Experience is an amazing steppingstone and opportunity for future healthcare workers.”

Health professions students considering future practice in a rural area can apply to the National Center for Rural Health Professions. For information, visit the NCRHP Rural Health Experience page.