MSU Honors Andrea Wendling, MD, for Community Engagement and Rural Medical Education

March 26, 2026

Andrea Wendling, MD, senior associate dean for academic affairs and director of rural medicine, was honored at the Michigan State University Outreach and Engagement Awards Ceremony held earlier this month at the Kellogg Center. As part of MSU’s recognition of exemplary high-quality community-engaged work, Wendling received the Institutional Champion Award for Community Engagement Scholarship.

Throughout her career, Wendling has partnered with communities and health systems across the state to improve rural health. In 2012, she developed the Leadership in Rural Medicine (LRM) Program, a renowned, innovative program designed to address the shortage of physicians in rural communities.

She later created MSU’s Rural Premedical Internship Program, a summer program that works with premedical undergraduate students from Michigan’s rural communities and colleges. Through rural physician shadowing experiences, rural community service opportunities, and application and interview skill building, the program has significantly reduced barriers to medical school for rural students.

Most recently, Wendling has been instrumental in developing the MSU-affiliated MIDOCs residency programs in underserved rural communities through the state and Indigenous Pathway Program with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

“Dr. Wendling exemplifies the spirit of this award. Her innovative programs, scholarly impact, and deep commitment to outreach have transformed lives and strengthened communities,” said Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, interim dean of the College of Human Medicine.

She continues to serve rural patients as a family medicine physician in Boyne City.