Scholars in Rural Health: outcomes from an assured admissions program.

BACKGROUND The Scholars in Rural Health program is designed to attract and retain young rural Kansans with a high probability of successful careers in rural communities. This program shapes the students' experiences toward rural health in preparation for entry into medical school. Scholars accepted into and satisfactorily completing this program are admitted automatically to the School of Medicine. METHODS A retrospective review of all Scholars program data was completed to evaluate if intended outcomes were achieved. All candidates who were admitted into the program since its inception in 1997 were included. Program data included information from application through residency graduation and establishing a practice. RESULTS Since 1997, 104 candidates have been selected to participate in the Scholars in Primary Care or Scholars in Rural Health program. Of the 40 who completed medical school, 30 (72%) matched to a primary care residency program; 21 (50%) matched to family medicine. Of the 19 residency graduates, 16 (84%) practice in rural or urban medically underserved communities. Eighteen practice in Kansas. DISCUSSION As one component of the effort to provide physicians for Kansas, the Scholars in Rural Health program showed beneficial outcomes for attracting applicants who want to practice in rural or other medically underserved communities and who maintain that interest over the long process of medical education. The designation of medical school positions for 14 Scholars in Rural Health enhances the likelihood of success for maintaining a pipeline of physicians for rural Kansas.