Selling the idea of rural medicine on a city campus presents a unique challenge to UNMC. Fortunately, doctors throughout the state donate their time and talent to show medical students the opportunities of small town medical practice. 
For the past 20 years, Robert Hanlon, M.D., of the Chadron Medical Clinic has volunteered his time as a faculty member in the rural preceptorship program. Two of the clinic’s five physicians had Hanlon for a preceptor. Kathy Sutera, M.D., did her residency at the clinic and Ed Pelton, M.D., did his rural preceptorship in Chadron.
In May Dr. Hanlon received the UNMC College of Medicine’s Volunteer Faculty of the Month award. His motivation as a volunteer faculty member stems from his interaction with students.
“We not only give, but they give back to us,” Dr. Hanlon said. “It’s always nice to see that light click on in a student’s head and see that a student has really learned something. It’s enjoyable.”
The students’ presence inspires the physicians to do some extra study of their own.
“We’re always in a learning mode,” Dr. Hanlon said. “When they present questions to us, most of the time we have answers available, but sometimes their questions stimulate us to do some reading and research.”
While Dr. Hanlon represents rural medicine to the students, the students represent UNMC while they study and work at the Chadron Medical Clinic.
“I’ve been really impressed with the quality of education they receive at the Medical Center. They are very well prepared. They keep you on your toes.”
Dr. Hanlon’s approach to helping students not only comes in the area of medicine. He also strives to provide a full picture of life in a small town.
“We want to educate them on the nature of rural medical practice and try to involve them in the community so they understand life in a small town. Here you get to know your patients, you grow up with your patients, and you live with your patients.”
At the clinic, students rotate among the five family physicians, experiencing a variety of methods and practices.
“The rural preceptorship is a valuable resource for medical students at UNMC and an asset to their education,” Dr. Hanlon said. “We provide opportunities for students to learn outside of the medical center setting and in the process, be introduced to the essence of rural medicine.”