PARIS, IL —
Danielle Cundiff knows exactly what she wants to do after medical school: become a family medicine doctor in a rural community.
“I’m from a rural community and there is a shortage of physicians in rural areas,” said Cundiff, a first-year medical student from Dana. “People in rural areas don’t go to the doctor like they should. I hope to educate patients about preventative care, like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Cundiff recently spent two weeks interacting with patients and learning the practice of medicine from established physicians at Paris (Ill.) Community Hospital/Family Medical Center. The opportunity was made possible through the Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health in Terre Haute, whose mission is to advance rural health through education, innovation and collaboration.
While at PCH/FMC, Cundiff observed patients under the supervision of doctors Leland Phipps and Rahat Sheikh. The physicians provided a valuable learning experience and offered her “little pearls of wisdom,” Cundiff said.
“I’m so glad I participated in this program,” she said.
“It was a great way to see how physicians go through their day-to-day interaction with patients. I always knew that I wanted to go into family medicine, but this solidified it,” she added
Sheikh added: “It’s a good thing. Students come in and get to know the community. We’re hoping that they will come back and work with us again in a physician capacity.”
Cundiff earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish from the University of Southern Indiana/Evansville, and a master’s of science degree in biology from Purdue University. She recently finished her first year of medical school at the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“I like family medicine because of the relationship the physician has with family,” Cundiff added. “By knowing the family, the physician can practice better medicine.”
After medical school, Cundiff hopes to open a medical practice in a small community in western Indiana or eastern Illinois.
“Rural family medicine definitely fits me,” she said. “I’m very excited to see how my second year of medical school goes after this experience [at PCH/FMC].”
Lugar Center info
• The Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health in Terre Haute has a mission to advance rural health through education, innovation, and collaboration.
Raw: Tornadoes Spotted in Kansas
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Obama Exhorts Good Deeds by Morehouse Graduates
Winning Powerball Ticket Sold in Florida
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Today in History for May 19th
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Raw: Germany Protestors Picket Barbie House
ABC Stars React to Jolie News
Today in History for May 20th
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Who is $600M Powerball winner in Fla.?
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
Top 5 Plays of the Day
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel
Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch
