If we train residents in Omaha, it becomes difficult to get them out to a rural practice. A dire need for physicians in underserved areas is fueling the growing trend of RTTs. Stageman says the University of Nebraska program has a mandate to train and place rural physicians. The residency program convinced two residents to pioneer its first rural site in Grand Island in 1992. Nebraska claims the largest RTT model, with 24 slots.
Residents spend their first year in Omaha.
Todd Woollen, M.D, second-year resident, fills one slot at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. He sees his own private patients in Doniphan. Woollen grew up in Alma, Neb., population 1,200, and he likes the feel of this small community. Here, you grow into your role as a physician more rapidly. I can't imagine a better way to train.