RSPP is a longitudinal, integrated clerkship that provides third-year medical students an immersive clinical community-based experience. Students spend 24 weeks in a rural community learning one-on-one with physician mentors.

Students accepted into the program gain a deep understanding and appreciation for rural primary care medicine. The close apprenticeship-like supervision allows students more opportunities for knowledge growth and skill acquisition – especially those who are self-directed – than is found in most standard rotations.

RSPP - Rural Student Physician Program logo

Participants in RSPP:

  • Experience continuity of care with their patients
  • Work directly with attending physicians
  • Do not have to compete for patients or to perform procedures
  • Optimize a schedule tailored to their interest and “go where the action is”
  • Gain competency in interdisciplinary problem-solving
  • Experience austere medicine at one of many rural Illinois sites