Buena Vista University's Undergraduate Rural Medicine Educational Development (URMED) program continues to provide students with valuable firsthand experience in rural healthcare. The competitive program, which provides participants with a $3,000 stipend funded by BVU and Buena Vista Regional Medical Center (BVRMC), helps offset expenses associated with medical school preparation while encouraging future physicians to pursue careers in rural communities. During the three-week May Term internship, students shadow physicians, observe procedures, and gain hands-on learning opportunities at BVRMC and Pocahontas Community Hospital.

URMED was created to help address the critical shortage of physicians in rural Iowa and across the Midwest by exposing students to the rewards and impact of practicing medicine in underserved communities. Through direct patient interaction and mentorship from healthcare professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of the unique opportunities available in rural healthcare.

This year, students Jilly Janssen ’27 and Owen Stansberry ’28 explored a variety of medical specialties while gaining a deeper understanding of the meaningful relationships rural healthcare providers build with their patients.

According to Dr. Brittney Dinkel, Associate Professor of Biology, one of the most impactful aspects of the program is witnessing the personal connections that define rural medicine.

"Both students noted the personal connection between doctors and their patients," said Dr. Dinkel. "They saw physicians build trust by taking the time to get to know patients and their families."

Katie Schwint, Executive Director of Community Development at BVRMC and a fellow BVU graduate, highlighted the unique opportunities the URMED program provides students through hands-on experiences in rural healthcare. "Practicing rural medicine means caring for people you know as neighbors and friends, not just patients. URMED gives students a firsthand look at how every department works together to provide exceptional care in a close-knit community."

For Stansberry ’28, those patient interactions were among the most memorable experiences of the program.

"I got the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with a patient receiving treatment for Alzheimer's," he said. "It gave me a deeper understanding of their situation and helped shape how I would like to be as a doctor."

For Janssen ’27, the experience reinforced her passion for medicine and solidified her future goals.

"I am now more confident than ever that medicine is the route that I am meant to pursue," she said. "URMED showed me that rural medicine, especially rural Iowa, is where I hope to practice one day."

As Janssen ’27 prepares to apply to medical school and Stansberry begins studying for the MCAT, both students leave the program with a clearer vision for their futures. Beyond clinical exposure, the program provides valuable professional development, physician mentorship, and financial support that help students take the next steps toward medical school and future healthcare careers.

By connecting aspiring physicians with rural healthcare providers and patients, URMED continues to strengthen BVU's commitment to addressing workforce needs across Iowa while helping students discover the profound impact they can make in rural communities.