Community Diagnosis by Summer Externs in Rural West Virginia

In a short time, medical students were able to assess local communities, make a diagnosis and offer solutions, and they also learned basic examination skills and valued the experience.

Abstract

Twenty-six medical students served as summer externs in rural West Virginia for 8 weeks between their first and second years of medical education. Students were instructed to diagnose the health of the community using their choice of techniques. Students learned that West Virginia communities are suffering from illnesses requiring life-style changes, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Transportation and many aspects of the health care system were also identified as problem areas. The students' impressions are consistent with other published data. In a short time, medical students were able to assess local communities, make a diagnosis and offer solutions. They also learned basic examination skills and valued the experience.