Preceptors
Our volunteer preceptors are exemplary physicians with a strong drive to introduce students to the joys and challenges of providing care to rural and urban underserved populations.
Preceptor Criteria
Ideal RUOP preceptors are primary care physicians who work in either a rural community and/or an underserved clinic. On occasion, rural general surgeons have been welcomed to participate.
As a general rule, rural is defined as a community designated by a rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) code of 4 through 10. Please reach out if you have questions about whether your site qualifies.
Preceptors must commit to mentoring a student for a consecutive four-week period during the summer.
As the primary preceptor, you would be responsible for providing direct supervision during the student's clinical rotation. However, it is acceptable for RUOP students to spend time with other preceptors.
We expect students to spend 30-35 hours each week in clinic.
This clinical experience is not graded, but students do appreciate the opportunity for informal feedback from their preceptors.
Contact N. Idaho AHEC Director Liz Bryant for information about Precepting RUOP students.
Why Precept a WWAMI RUOP Student?
Idaho WWAMI students are prepared!
Our students have had over 250 hours of primary care clinical exposure by the time they start their RUOP experience. Thus, students will have significant practice with taking patient histories and performing physical exams.
"From participating as a RUOP student at the beginning of my medical school career, to becoming a RUOP preceptor myself, the journey has been nothing but educational and rewarding. There are so many young, eager minds out there so excited to start their own journeys and the experience reignites my love and passion for medicine every summer!" Dr. Suzanna Hubele, RUOP preceptor - Two Rivers Medical Clinic, Weiser
Precepting is rewarding!
Every year, our preceptors comment on the enjoyment clinical teaching brings. Young, enthusiastic learners challenge them to be their best. Furthermore, patients enjoy interacting with the students and seeing their physicians in a teaching role.
UW Faculty appointment
Clinical faculty appointments are one way that the UW School of Medicine recognizes physicians who play a critical role supporting WWAMI’s teaching and research missions. RUOP preceptors are eligible to be recognized as clinical faculty at UWSOM. Learn more about this opportunity.
CME Credits
If you are a family physician, your participation as a RUOP preceptor qualifies you for CME credits through a membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), which allows up to 20 hours per year for Precepting/Education. More information.
If you are not a family physician, you are still eligible for AMA Category 2 CME credits.