The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire welcomed Dr. Lisa Dodson, the Dean of Medical College of Wisconsin Central Wisconsin (MCW – CW) campus on Wednesday, April 18th. Megan Schleusner the North Central Regional Representative for the AHEC Alumni Association worked in partnership with Christina Patrin, Executive Director of North Central AHEC, and the university’s Pre-Professional Health Club to organize an informative session on The Need for Health Care Professionals in Rural Areas.
Dr. Lisa Dodson gave an engaging presentation about her pathway to healthcare, the rewards and challenges of working in a rural setting and highlighted the important work of MCW-CW to train primary care physicians, surgeons and psychiatrists who will live and work in the region when they complete their medical education. Those who attended were able to network and speak one on one with the Dr. Dodson and AHEC Alumni Association members.
Additional Wisconsin AHEC program information was provided to attendees on rural training opportunities, such as AHEC Scholars, the Interprofessional Case Competition and Community Health Internship Program (CHIP).
Hunter Ryskoski, a student who attended the event stated, “Overall, the event was an eye-opening experience for anyone interested in a future in medicine. It was well organized, and the speaker had great personal stories that were relatable.” Twenty-one students attended the event where free pizza and MCW-CW swag was given away.
Submitted by: Megan Schleusner