Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP)
Director Kirby Clark, MD
The Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) is a nine-month, community-based educational experience for University of Minnesota third-year medical students who live and train in rural communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. RPAP students experience hands-on learning as they care for patients of all ages.
The part of RPAP I loved the most was the continuity of care. I have delivered babies and watched them grow to be nine months old. I have watched individuals go through the scariest, hardest medical problems and have a breakthrough. I've seen cancer be diagnosed, and cured. I can't be more thankful for what I have been able to be part of.
RPAP is an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. You get the opportunity to work with physicians and help make important decisions. You get the unique opportunity to truly get to know patients, see them across different specialties, and understand their perspective. Lastly, you get a better understanding of the role the physician has in the community.