Advancing rural health care through education and innovation
August 7, 2024
Prioritizing rural health equity is part of the sustainable health theme in the college's 2030 strategic plan and ensures that everyone has the chance to lead a healthy life, no matter where they live.
The university has long had a presence that reaches all areas of Michigan to create a national model for improving health and well-being in underserved communities, including rural areas of the state. The following are some examples of MSU’s commitment to helping residents, training the next generation of health care providers and providing specialty programs targeted at mental health.
For more than 50 years, the Leadership in Rural Medicine programs have been training future physicians in medically underserved rural communities and small towns across Michigan. The programs encourage and empower students to practice in these areas following graduation. In the Upper Peninsula, this includes the Rural Physician Program based in Marquette, and in Traverse City and Midland, it is known as the Rural Community Health Program.