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The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Office of Rural Medical Education, or ROME, is proud to join communities across the nation in celebration of National Rural Health Week from November 13 to 17. There will be activities throughout the entire week at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, culminating with National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 16.

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize National Rural Health Day. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.

“It is of vital importance that we ensure all rural Texans have the opportunity to be healthy and have access to affordable, quality health care regardless of where they call home,” said Dr. Maria Crompton, DO, DipABLM, Director of Rural Medical Education and Assistant Professor at TCOM. “ROME and the Texas Health Rural Association are proud to recognize the incredible work of health professionals and volunteers in our community on National Rural Health Day and throughout the year.”

Living rurally brings a wide range of hurdles that complicate whole health, such as transportation to health care providers, limited access to healthy food choices, and chronic stress. Crompton, who became the Director of ROME earlier this year, wants TCOM’s Rural Medical Education programs to increase its visionary collaborations with under-resourced areas as a way to give back and help create healthy sustainable communities throughout Texas.

TCOM and THRA have collaborated on many medical mission trips to the Texas border and worked to bring health care to some of the most remote places in the state. TCOM students who are part of the ROME program are able to gain invaluable experience on these trips, while also seeing the need the rural communities need.

The week’s activities begin on Monday, with a “Faces of Rural” where everyone is encouraged to share their pictures on social media. On Tuesday Dr. Nicholas Comninellis will present on “Launching Your International Healthcare Career.” Wednesday will raise “Awareness then Advocacy” by highlighting the realities of rural health care through social media.

Thursday is National Rural Health Day and TCOM alumni Dr. Ryan Morris is presenting to the ROME Class of 2027 on “Rural Medicine Has its Privileges”.  Friday there will be a “roDeO” on HSC’s Alumni Plaza that will feature activities, food, and a celebration of the week.

“Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to help HSC celebrate the “Power of Rural throughout the week,” said Enrique Mangan, President of the HSC Texas Rural Health Association and TCOM second-year student. “We want to enlighten folks about the plight of rural Texans, encourage the healthcare providers who give continuously, and celebrate our call to these wonderful people.”

National Rural Health Week Calendar of Events

• Monday:  “Faces of Rural” share your rural-ty on #PowerofRural, #NationalRuralHealthDay
• Tuesday: “Launching Your International Healthcare Career” Dr. Nicholas Comninellis, MD, MPH
  12:00 p.m., LIB 110. Reserve your spot here: https://unthsc.campuslabs.com/engage/event/9473796
• Wednesday: “Awareness then Advocacy,”  highlighting the realities of rural healthcare through social media.
• Thursday:  “NRHD Luncheon: Rural Medicine Has Its Privileges” Dr Ryan Morris, DO. Meet the ROME Class of 2027, Rural Scholarship Awardees, Rural Scholars, faculty and staff! 12:00 p.m., RES 100
• Friday: “roDeO – TCOM style!” Alumni Plaza, HSC Campus, 2 – 4 PM Try your rural skills in (modified) barrel racing, calf roping, cornhole, and more! Enjoy chili, cornbread, and dawgs with all the trimmings!

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