Student Experience
Ben Wilson
Rural Health Experience
As an early second year medical student, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the healthcare team at Garfield Memorial Hospital in Panguitch, UT. I had heard a little about what a rural practice is like-lots of variety and tough problem solving, all within a friendly environment-so I wanted to go experience it myself. My time in Panguitch ended up being more educational, memorable, and fun than I had ever expected!
I spent most of my time working with Dr. Mooney. We did everything from well child checks to emergent trauma care, obstetrics, caring for international tourists, long-term care for elderly people, handling a disastrous youth tour bus accident, and so much more. I felt like the quality of medical education I got in Panguitch was far better than I could have gotten in any classroom. As I've gone on in my classes, the things I remember best in pharmacology, organ systems, and general science courses are things that I can tie back to experiences in Panguitch. I consider my time at Garfield Memorial the most valuable part of my medical education so far.
My experience also gave me a renewed respect for the rural culture and lifestyle. I had the wonderful opportunity to go to rodeos, holiday parades, and town parties with the locals, and I made a lot of great friends. Which reminds me-when you're in clinic, you're not just working with one of your many patients; you're helping your neighbors-your friends! It changes the whole clinical environment to be way more happy and laid back than you find in the big cities. Because of the great people I associated with there, Panguitch has really come to feel like a second hometown to me.
I could go on forever about how great it was to work at Garfield Memorial. To sum it up, though, I feel like my time in Paguitch was invaluable to my medical education. The things I learned and the people I made friends with will stick with me for a long time. I plan on going back for another rural rotation during my third year, and I also plan on starting my medical career in a rural practice. It amazing how a short, but great, experience can affect you!
