Hospital lauded for mentoring future docs

The University of Missouri School of Medicine has formally recognized St. Francis Hospital & Health Services in Maryville for its support of the school's Area Health Education Center Summer Community Program, an effort to prepare future doctors for careers in rural areas.

Known as AHEC, the initiative creates opportunities for second-year medical students from the state's flagship university to participate in a clinical program in a small-town setting.

For periods of four to eight weeks, the students work with a community-based preceptor — that is a mentoring physician — and are sponsored by the participating hospital. They receive a stipend as well as room and board.

Last summer, St. Francis sponsored two students, Hannah Novoa and Michelle Pickens. Both praised the program's contributions to their medical education.

"The one-on-one time with physicians was invaluable," said Novoa. "I got to see a lot of different physicians in many different specialties. I was also impressed at how many things are available in smaller towns."

Pickens said she found the program beneficial because it provided her with chances to spend time with patients while honing her physical examination skills.

"(My preceptors) challenged me to think through problems and come up with my own plans and assessments for patients, which was a very valuable learning experience for me," she said.