BVU’s URMED Program Inspires Future Rural Iowa Doctors
Participants receive a $3,000 stipend and immersive clinical experiences as they explore careers in rural healthcare and help address Iowa's growing physician shortage.
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 partnering hospitals, 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 Buena Vista Regional Medical Center (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."
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.
For more information about the URMED program, visit bvu.edu/urmed.
