Page 3 - Spring 2016
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ING 2016 Page 3

Rural Medicine Interest Group (RMIG)

Began by students in 2007, the Rural Medicine Interest Group (RMIG) is dedicated to educating medical students on options,
resources, and opportunities available for students interested in rural medicine. Activities on campus are monthly lunch meetings
focused on inviting speakers from different aspects of rural health care to talk about their role in the rural medical community.
RMIG is now the largest student interest group at KU-SOM with 116 registered members, and the faculty advisor is the Associate
Dean for Rural Health Education. This group is one of just a few that encompass all three KU-SOM campuses. Each campus has
members on the executive board that meet and organize group activities. The meetings cover a wide variety of topics, but are
focused on rural health and education. In the past year, students heard from rural hospital CEOs, missionaries from Zimbabwe,a
rural surgeon, and the Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment. Along with monthly lunch meetings, every year 2‐3 members
of the executive board attend the National Rural Health Association’s Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., where they are able to
meet with Kansas’ National Legislators. It is also an opportunity to network with students across the country to discuss rural health
policy. RMIG has also established an annual presence at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson to staff a KU Booth and perform blood
pressure checks.

Continued on page 26.

Rural Medicine Interest Group Student (RMIG) Perspectives

Tyler Egbert
Class of 2018
University of Kansas School of Medicine – Kansas City

My Path to Medicine

Some people know early in life what they want to do “when they grow up.” However, I never
even considered becoming a doctor until the end of my senior year of high school when I took a
course in Anatomy and Physiology. I found it incredibly interesting how the human body works;
after shadowing some medical professionals, I realized I had found my calling. When I decided to
pursue a career as a physician just before college began, I knew it would be a very tough road.
Yet so far it has been worth every step.

As a pre-medical student, my preparation for medical school began as soon as I decided to
pursue it. I did research and got advice from professors and doctors about how I could get ready. So, for anyone considering
medical school, I would encourage you to evaluate your reasons for considering medical school early. Are you ready to dedicate
yourself to a lifetime of learning? Obviously grades and MCAT scores are very important. However, schools are most interestedin
candidates who are well-rounded and already have experience in their future career. One of the best things you can do is get
medical experience: shadowing, working, and volunteering are great ways to become familiar with medicine.

After high school, I shadowed local physicians from my hometown area of southeast Kansas every few weeks. In the summer of
2012, I studied abroad in Peru to learn Spanish and volunteer in clinics. Throughout college, I chose a few non-medical
organizations to be involved in. I also worked as a medical assistant for my university’s Student Health Center for two years.

A family friend used to tell me, “Pick a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Even with all the stressfulstudy nights
and the times I’ve said “no” to spending time with a friend or family member because of an upcoming test, I would absolutely
pursue the same path again. Though I’m sure there will be days on the job that aren’t perfect, I’m confident that with a career as a
doctor, I will immensely enjoy having the chance to help people every day.
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