Rural Track Program

What is the Rural Track Program?

Several studies have demonstrated that rural communities are underserved by the medical community. Nebraska, as a state with a majority of rural communities, is no exception. Creighton University wishes to expand their role and responsibility in providing medical education to these rural communities by creating a Rural Track Program. Competence in rural medicine requires special training only found by hands on experience in a rural community.

Rural communities are challenged in attracting quality physicians to practice. The reasons are many. One common theme is that many physicians feel professionally isolated and many would have to relocate to an unfamiliar community with limited resources. Rural Track Programs have demonstrated the ability to attract and retain physicians to these rural communities. Studies have shown that physicians that train in these communities tend to stay and practice in those communities.

Image

Where is Kearney, Nebraska?

Kearney and surrounding communities is located in central south Nebraska approximately 180 miles west of Omaha, Nebraska. Kearney is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the corporate headquarters of national retailer The Buckle.

Kearney is located along I-80 and is the hub of several farming communities. Land marks include The Arch which straddles I-80, a monument as a Gateway to the West.

Image

CHI Good Samaritan Hospital

Good Samaritan will serve as the primary location for the Rural Track.

“At CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Neb., our mission revolves around serving others. It’s the cornerstone of everything we do – every interaction, every innovation, every single day. We’re not just treating illnesses, we’re healing body, mind and spirit. Established by the Sisters of the St. Francis in 1924, Good Samaritan is a 268-bed regional referral center in Kearney, Nebraska. Our location in the region is the key: Travelers along a busy stretch of Interstate 80, as well as rural Nebraskans and Kansans are able to find nearly every level of care at Good Samaritan without traveling hundreds of more miles to larger metropolitan areas.

At Good Samaritan, you’ll find an advanced level trauma center that also offers AirCare emergency helicopter transport and an ambulance program providing long distance and local 911 service. Among our many other services are cardiac care including open-heart surgery, a level II neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally accredited cancer center, comprehensive neurosurgery, advanced orthopedic program, and inpatient and outpatient mental health services at our free-standing Richard Young Behavioral Health facility.”

- CHI Good Samaritan Hospital 

Image