EC North Carolina News

Sampson Regional Medical Center has opened applications for its Pre-Medicine Rural Medicine Clerkship, a 10-week paid summer program designed to prepare aspiring healthcare providers with hands-on experience in rural medical settings. This opportunity targets pre-medicine students who graduated from high school in Sampson County within the last four years and are pursuing careers in medicine.

The program provides participants a stipend for a 30-hour workweek and offers a structured, skill-based experience beyond traditional job shadowing. Participants will directly engage with attending physicians to enhance clinical and patient care skills and gain insight into the unique challenges and benefits of practicing medicine in rural areas.

Rural areas in the United States often face a shortage of healthcare professionals, making initiatives like SampsonRMC's clerkship vital for shaping the future of healthcare in these communities. The program aims to instill a passion for rural medicine in students, encouraging them to return and serve their local communities upon completing medical training.

“This program is an investment in both our students and the future of healthcare in Sampson County,” noted Dr. Shawn Howerton, Chief Executive & Chief Medical Officer of Sampson Regional Medical Center. “By providing hands-on experience and mentorship, we are giving aspiring medical professionals the foundation they need to build meaningful careers in rural medicine.”

Throughout the clerkship, participants will work alongside experienced physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals, exploring different medical specialties, patient care practices, and the broader healthcare system within a rural framework. The program also aims to develop essential interpersonal and problem-solving skills in students. “Through these real-world experiences, we hope students will leave the program with a deeper understanding of the medical field and the unique needs of rural patients,” added Howerton.

Application requirements for the clerkship through SampsonRMC include completing at least one year of college with a minimum GPA of 3.6, graduation from a Sampson County high school within the past four years, and submission of a CV and a 500-word essay detailing interests in medicine and motivations for practicing in a rural setting.

SampsonRMC will select up to three candidates based on resources and qualifications, notifying selected applicants by May 15, 2025. More information about the program can be found at SampsonRMC.org/clerkship.