VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

Rural Healthcare Initiatives Participants at the conference also heard from experts who are working to address rural healthcare challenges in other Southern states. The Cherokee National Health Services (CNHS) and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSUCOM) exemplify how rural and tribal communities are working to close healthcare gaps. With 1.6 million patient visits annually, CNHS is working to ensure that no patient is more than 30 minutes from care while integrating cultural education into provider training. Through their partnership, OSUCOM and CNHS have created a tribal medicine track that prepares medical students for a primary care residency at tribal facilities. OSUCOM also offers a rural medical track designed to prepare students for a rural primary care residency and practice in rural or underserved Oklahoma. Meanwhile, in Virginia, the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) is addressing pediatric mental health shortages. With 11 of 18 counties in southwest Virginia having no pediatricians, VMAP supports primary care providers by offering

education, call-line support, and care navigation services. The initiative has dramatically increased the number of providers trained and patients assisted, making it a great tool for addressing mental health needs in rural communities. Policy and Advocacy: The Need for Clinician Voices One of the strongest messages from the VNRMC was the importance of advocacy. With federal policies on Medicaid, Medicare reimbursement, and telehealth regulations in flux, clinicians must engage in the policy-making process. Healthcare providers have unique credibility in advocating for changes that improve access, funding, and sustainability in rural healthcare. “You don’t need to be an expert in policy to be an expert advocate,” one speaker noted. The VNRMC underscored that while rural healthcare faces significant challenges, solutions exist. With continued collaboration among educators, policymakers, and medical professionals, the future of rural healthcare can be reshaped to better serve these vital communities.

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fall 2025 | VCOM V iew M agazine