COSAM News Articles 2023 September Future doctors gain an elevated student experience at Auburn University learning from seasoned physicians and getting an edge before entering medical school

Future doctors gain an elevated student experience at Auburn University learning from seasoned physicians and getting an edge before entering medical school

Published: 09/26/2023

By: Maria Gebhardt

Video by: Steven Dixon

Students who have earned their undergraduate degree and are preparing to enter medical school have an unparallel option at Auburn University to gain valuable hands-on experience from top physicians to help them become doctors in Alabama. The program is made possible through the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM).

These students will work in cities all over the state and help patients where their expertise will make a bold impact essentially becoming a staple of these smaller communities. Students who practice in rural areas have strong relationships with their patients and provide essential care to people in smaller towns may not easily have access to receive otherwise.

The Rural Medicine Program (RMP) offers additional learning opportunities for an entire year to prepare these students for successful careers as medical doctors.

After their White Coat Ceremony in August, RMP students then participated in an engaging fall retreat at Lake Martin Community Hospital organized and fully supported by the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in COSAM.

“This program is set up to teach students to think like a clinician,” said Dr. Keith Bufford, current RMP Medical Director who has 35 years of experience as a medical professional. “It gives them an opportunity to develop skill sets that they would not have when they start medical school if they had not been through this program.”

The proven program has been making a difference in the medical community and entire state for decades. During the fall retreat, students learned how to work with patients and use medical equipment.

“Another big benefit of this program is the camaraderie the students develop during the year at Auburn,” explained Dr. Bufford. “It gives them someone in their class that they already know.”

In addition to working with Dr. Bufford, RMP students work with Dr. Tim Littmann who is a RMP graduate from the 2013-2014 class and a physician at the Lake Martin Community Hospital. Students also had a chance to hear advice from Dr. Larry Wit, former RMP academic director.