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Students who have completed at least the first
year of their program and primary care residents who are interested
in rural/ underserved health care are invited to apply.
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Preference is given to: NHSC Scholars; WWAMI
medical students; Montana State University (MSU) nurse practitioner
students; physician assistant students at Rocky Mountain College;
primary care residents affiliated with the Montana Family Practice
Residency Program or residency programs at the University of
Washington.
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Applicants are required to provide proof that
malpractice insurance coverage for the rotation is provided through
their professional school or clinic. A brief letter from an Administrative
Officer (e.g., Dean of Students) is sufficient.
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Medical students and physician assistant students
do not require a license to practice in Montana for this program;
however, resident physicians and nurse practitioner students
DO require a license to practice in Montana for this program.
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Students and residents who are placed will be
matched to a primary care preceptor in a Health Professional
Shortage Area (HPSA) or in a rural or urban Medically Underserved
Area (MUA). Every attempt will be made to honor preferences for
primary care specialty and rural/urban underserved location.
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Once notified of their match with a preceptor,
the student or resident must contact the preceptor (or a representative)
to make further arrangements for the rotation, such as firm dates
and housing. The Montana NHSC SEARCH program is available for
assistance should these arrangements become difficult.
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Students and residents who are placed are required
to participate in a service-linked community activity and at
the end of the rotation to provide a one-page essay describing
the experience.
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Participants in the NHSC SEARCH Program accept
the responsibility of immediately notifying the Montana NHSC
SEARCH program of any of the following: (a) any change in rotation
plans; (b) early termination of the rotation; and (c) problems
or concerns during the rotation.
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Program participants are required to complete
an evaluation form (which is provided) at the end of their experience
and return it to the Montana NHSC SEARCH Program.
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Students and residents must agree to participate
in a long-term "tracking" program and return all brief
requests for updates and additional information