WVU hosts ninth annual Rural Health Day to inspire future rural health professionals
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – More than 60 undergraduate students gathered at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center on Saturday, April 5, for the ninth annual WVU Rural Health Day, an event designed to introduce aspiring health professionals to the opportunities and rewards of practicing in rural communities.
Hosted by the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, the event offered students immersive, hands-on experiences and the chance to engage with faculty, current students and rural health professionals from across the state. 
The day began with a welcome from Dr. Linda Nield, associate dean of admissions and co-director of the Rural Scholars Program, followed by a presentation on rural medicine and culture by Dr. Larry Rhodes, executive director of the Institute for Community and Rural Health.
A rural health panel discussion featured health care professionals sharing their experiences and what led them to work in rural areas of West Virginia. A student panel followed, allowing participants to hear directly from current health professions students pursuing rural-focused careers. 
Afternoon breakout sessions offered interactive learning across four engaging tracks. In In Stitches, students practiced suturing techniques on synthetic skin, honing their precision and technique. Seeing is Hearing introduced participants to the use of hand-held ultrasound devices, providing hands-on instruction in diagnostic imaging. Dental Dynamics featured mock dental extractions along with oral health education, giving students a glimpse into dental procedures. Meanwhile, the Behavioral Medicine track allowed students to engage in mock interviews and participate in a simulated group therapy session, fostering skills in mental health care and communication.
The event concluded with remarks from Christie Zachary, program manager for student outreach and marketing at the Institute for Community and Rural Health, who led a brief evaluation session. 
“Rural Health Day offers students a first-hand look at what a career in rural health care can look like,” Zachary said. “It’s a chance to spark interest, build connections and inspire students to serve communities that need them most.”
For more information about the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, visit https://health.wvu.edu/icrh.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Program Manager for Student Outreach and Marketing
WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health; christie.zachary@hsc.wvu.edu