Leading excellence in healthcare for rural communities
Our Vision
Leading excellence in healthcare for rural communities.
Our Mission
As experts in rural health, our mission is to improve the health and well-being of rural communities through education, workforce development, community partnerships, and policy.
The National Center for Rural Health Professions (NCRHP) at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine Rockford (UICOMR) strives to meet the health care needs of rural residents and their communities in Illinois, around the nation and throughout the world. Certified by the Illinois Board of Higher Education since 2003, this UICOMR center has programs and collaborative partnerships that have become successful models for education, service, research and policy related to rural health involving multiple health professions.
FEATURED PROGRAM
RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM
The National Center for Rural Health Professions at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford is supporting Illinois’ rural health workforce strategy through planning, partnership development, and implementation support connected to the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Rural Health Professions (Academic Programs)
NCRHP’s academic programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and social work offer comprehensive add-on curriculum which gives students the unique opportunity to train directly in rural communities across the State of Illinois. Students learn firsthand about the issues facing rural health care and are prepared to serve as leaders in underserved rural communities.
IL AHEC
Established in 2010, the HRSA funded Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Network Program has nine regional centers throughout the state to serve both rural and urban underserved residents through access to health professions education, health careers development and community and public health promotion activities.
Native American Pathways
This program is designed to identify, recruit, support and graduate Native American students interested in pursuing a health professions degree and returning to their tribal communities to practice rural medicine, pharmacy or nursing.
Rural Pathways Programs
The NCRHP pathway programs address the rural health provider shortage by offering students learning opportunities as early as middle school and high school. Students can participate in summer camps, multi-week immersion experiences, and job shadowing rotations in rural communities. Participants of the NCRHP pathway programs will increase their awareness of and experience with many healthcare disciplines.
Research
Faculty and students at the NCRHP are passionate about rural health issues, policy and advocacy. Read some of the powerful research driving our efforts to address rural health inequities and improve access to health care in rural and underserved urban communities.
Research
Faculty and students at the NCRHP are passionate about rural health issues, policy and advocacy.
Read some of the powerful research driving our efforts to address rural health inequities and improve access to health care in rural and underserved urban communities.
News
We welcome you to take a few minutes to catch up on our most recent 'Access Newsletter' from Fall 2026 at the National Center for Rural Health Professions! ...
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We had a boot-scootin' good time at the inaugural UIC Health Sciences Fall Fest Barn Dance this week! From the delicious BBQ from Ralfie's BBQ and Catering, to the tunes provided by Luxe Productions DJ's, and line dancing lessons led by Jenny Vause- it was an evening full of fall fun, great food, and even better company!
A big thank you to everyone who came out to the Midway Village Museum's Red Barn to kick up their boots and to everyone who helped make this event such a success! What a great way to celebrate the fall season together! ...
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New Research Publications from the National Center for Rural Health Professions!
We are excited to share the publication of two new peer-reviewed articles that address important issues affecting rural health care and medical education. Congratulations to Dr. Kiruthika Balakrishnan, Dr. Zhi Li, and Dr. Hana Hinkle.
Why are rural hospitals closing in the U.S.? Predictors identified using explainable machine learning explores factors associated with rural hospital closures and provides insights that may help inform future policy and workforce solutions.
Artificial intelligence literacy among U.S. rural medical education students: perceptions, readiness, educational needs, and barriers examines how rural medical students view AI and identifies opportunities to better prepare future healthcare professionals for an evolving healthcare landscape.
Congratulations to our authors and collaborators on these important contributions to rural health research and education!
Read the articles: • Why are rural hospitals closing in the U.S.? link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12913-026-14810-w
• Artificial intelligence literacy among U.S. rural medical education students: link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12909-026-10158-1 ...
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Happy Wednesday!
We are excited to be back again this week with another fun feature on a first year RMED student. Without further ado, we'd like to introduce you to Caitlyn Collier!
1. What is your hometown?
Fairview, IL
2. Which college did you attend and what is your undergraduate degree in?
Augustana College, Major in Biology, Minor in Public Health
3. Why did you choose to focus on rural medicine?
Growing up in such a small, tight-knit community has shaped me into who I am today. There is so much to love about rural living, but it has its disadvantages in terms of healthcare accessibility. While working for our local health system as a medical assistant, I saw how our rural location can limit access and significantly delay quality care. I want to give back to a community that has given me so much. By serving as a rural physician, I will have the chance to play an active role in advocating for my community and ensuring access to healthcare.
4. What has been something you have found to be an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise during your RMED experience so far?
RMED really is a big family! The support I have felt from faculty and peers since starting medical school has been amazing. Everybody wants to see you succeed and there are so many resources to support you. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else!
5. What advice would you give to students applying to medical school? How would you encourage them to consider rural health?
As you gain experience preparing for medical school, do things that fuel your interests. When it's time to put together a well-rounded, cohesive application, it's much easier to talk about experiences you are passionate about. Also, don't be afraid to let your personality show through in your application!
I know rural living isn't for everyone, but if you want your community role to go beyond the walls of a clinic or hospital, I suggest looking into rural healthcare. Rural physicians have greater community visibility and the opportunity to establish public health-based initiatives. With smaller populations, it’s easier to visualize your impact, which is something I'm looking forward to.
6. What hobbies/interests do you have outside of school?
I spend most of my free time with friends and family. I love trying new restaurants and coffee spots. Art has always been an outlet for me. I love crafting, painting, and working with my hands. If you haven’t set foot inside a pottery studio, I highly suggest it!
Thank you, Caitlyn, for taking the time to let us get to know you a little better! We are looking forward to continuing to learn more about your fellow "Class of 2030"classmates over the next couple of months. See you soon! ...
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AMSA Infofest! Turning Data into Action: Advancing Rural Health Through Policy & Innovation!
Two familiar NCRHP faces will be on a panel that will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 6:00–7:00 PM Eastern Time.
This session will explore how rural health data, research, and innovation can move beyond identifying disparities to inform advocacy, policy, and meaningful systems-level change. We're excited to bring together perspectives from rural health research, policy, and community advocacy.
Our panelists include:
Monica L. Coleman — Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Hana Hinkle, PhD, MPH — NCRHP/RMTC
Carrie Cochran, MD — National Rural Health Association
Mina Tanaka, MD — National Center for Rural Health Professions
Meeting Details
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM ET
Google Meet: meet.google.com/qhw-iamx-bbf
Dial-in: +1 501-737-0162
PIN: 170 500 065#
Additional phone numbers: tel.meet/qhw-iamx-bbf?pin=3893208619081
Special thanks to RMED M4 student, Avery Keese for Organizing this event! ...
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Health education starts early, and our future healthcare professionals are helping make it happen!
Through Health Jam, a longstanding partnership with 4-H and Oregon Elementary School, RMED and RPHARM students work in teams alongside faculty advisors to develop and deliver health education sessions for 5th- grade students. This year’s topics included Medication Safety, Injury Prevention, Screen Time, and Vaping Prevention.
Programs like Health Jam give our health professions’ students valuable experience translating health information into messages that are clear, understandable, and meaningful for the communities they serve. At the same time, elementary students gain knowledge and skills that can support lifelong healthy habits. ...
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