4B51F69395F95B948725821D007099BD Hearing Summary

Representative Arndt introduced herself and provided a brief summary of the committee and its activities, as well as expectations of committee members and those who wish to testify before the committee.

Dr. Mark Deutchman, University of Colorado School of Medicine, introduced himself to the committee and provided the committee background of the Rural Track Program within the school. The Rural Track Program was founded to provide incentive for physicians to locate to rural areas of Colorado. Dr. Deutchman explained the challenges in rural Colorado in accessing medical care.  Dr. Deutchman's presentation was distributed to committee members after the meeting [Attachment A]. 

Dr. Roberto Silva introduced himself to the committee and discussed how the CU School of Medicine is working to alleviate challenges faced in rural Colorado in receiving medical treatment. He also discussed Rural Track and explained that the main goal of the program is to increase physicians in rural areas.

Melanie DeHerrerra introduced herself to the committee and discussed the Rural Track curriculum.  She stated how many CU students are currently enrolled in the program. She discussed where students are practicing throughout the state and explained that most of the students are placed in Eastern Colorado.

Dr. Deutchman discussed the funding of the Rural Track Program and discussed the passage of the rural preceptor tax credit. He also discussed the annual report, which was distributed to committee members [Attachment B].

Several medical students responded to questions from the committee regarding the financial incentives provided by the Rural Track Program.

Dr. Deutchman responded to questions from the committee regarding special courses and training rural physicians can receive.

Dr. Deutchman also answered questions regarding how the Rural Track Program compares to neighboring states. He also discussed the program's rate of attrition.

Dr. Deutchman explained why the program is presenting to the committee in response to questions from the committee. He stated that he and other founders of the program are seeking to making the program a permanent institution in the CU School of Medicine.

Dr. Deutchman stated that the Rural Track program uses the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment definition of "rural" to define "rural" for the purposes of the program. He also responded to questions from the committee regarding other medical fields participating in the program.

Medical students responded to questions about why they originally enrolled in the Rural Track program and where they seek to reside. Dr. Deutchman stated that students are not required to live in a certain place for a determined period of time, but scholarships do come with contingincies regarding the commitment of residing and practicing in rural areas.