Rural Medicine 101 with Dr. Rithesh Ram

About the Episode

Dive into the complexities and triumphs of rural healthcare in Alberta with Dr. Dr. Rithesh Ram, a dedicated rural generalist with a PhD in epidemiology. In this insightful episode, Dr. Ram sheds light on the current state of rural medicine, the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers, and the innovative strategies for improving healthcare delivery in these areas.

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Join us in Episode 35 as we explore the intricate tapestry of rural healthcare with a physician who is truly at the heart of his community in Drumheller, Alberta. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a medical student, or simply interested in the dynamics of rural healthcare, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making sustainable changes in the medical field.

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Objectives and Discussions

(2:05) Current State of Rural Medicine in Alberta Dr. Ram discusses the historical resilience of rural healthcare providers in Alberta, describing their crucial role in maintaining healthcare services despite geographical and resource challenges. He emphasizes the sustained effort required to keep rural hospitals open and the ongoing economic contributions of these healthcare communities.

(3:50) Urban vs. Rural Healthcare Dynamics This section explores the differences between healthcare delivery in urban and rural settings, highlighting the unique challenges faced by urban acute care facilities and the dependency on medical residents. Dr. Ram addresses the shift in work ethics among new physicians and its impact on healthcare services in both settings.

(8:30) The Role of Epidemiology in Rural Medicine Dr. Ram shares how his background in epidemiology has been instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing strategic insights that helped manage the crisis in rural areas. He explains how epidemiological skills contribute to better public health responses and overall healthcare management in rural settings.

(14:46) Rural Doctor Interview Tips When interviewing prospective rural doctors, hiring staff look for authenticity and the ability to discern genuine interest in rural practice. Dr. Ram critiques the current interview processes that often miss the mark in identifying candidates truly committed to rural medicine.

(29:22) Basics of Recruitment in Rural Medicine Dr. Ram discusses the essential strategies for recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right staff and creating a supportive work environment. He stresses the critical role of teamwork and staff stability in maintaining an effective rural healthcare practice.

(35:03) How Business and Medicine are Connected Business principles and medical practice are interconnected, particularly how understanding business operations can significantly benefit physicians. Business management and financial acumen should be included in medical education to better prepare doctors for the realities of running a practice.

(45:40) How to Improve Access to Care Particularly in rural areas, the challenges of increasing access to medical care are high. This section contains innovative approaches to medical education and physician placement that could improve healthcare delivery

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Today’s episode is brought to you by Empathia.ai. This AI charting assistant captures your patient encounter and creates a clinical note, saving doctors on average 2 hours per day in charting. Healthcare professionals are often bogged down by endless paperwork, their goal is for physicians to spend less time charting.

Find out more: https://www.empathia.ai/

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More Resources:

Riverside Medical: https://www.riversidemedical.ca/

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Podcast Episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cherry-live-healthcare/episodes/35--Rural-Medicine-101--Dr--Rithesh-Ram-e2j63f1

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Twitter: @cherryhealthinc

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Have questions? We want to hear them!

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