Hanna Russell, an admitted student at Oklahoma State University College of Medicine, is following Dr. C. Patrick Sullivan at Triton Health in Vian, during the weeks of May 15 to 19 and July 10 to 14, as part of her Summer Rural Externship.

The Summer Rural Externship is a two-week shadowing experience designed to reinforce interest in rural medical practices and prepare students for their future rural clerkships.

Students participating in this externship shadow an assigned preceptor, as well as other non-physician medical professionals in a rural primary care setting.

In addition, students craft an aim statement for a Quality Improvement project designed to improve patient care during their externship. Students are also strongly encouraged to be involved in the rural community by attending events, visiting local businesses, and volunteering with nonprofit organizations or other community service and cultural experiences.

Russell was admitted into the 3+1 program, which allows her to matriculate into medical school after her junior year of her undergraduate degree. She completed most of her undergraduate requirements at Northeastern State University (NSU).

After completing her first year of medical school, which will begin in fall of 2023, she will be awarded a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from NSU. There, she majored in Cell and Molecular Biology.