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MPCA’s SEARCH Program offers a range of training opportunities for students, dental externs and residents to train in underserved primary care settings in Maine. Maine SEARCH placements provide students and residents the opportunity to:
- Train in culturally/socioeconomically diverse communities
- Practice within multi-disciplinary teams of talented, dedicated providers
- Work with patients and communities toward improved health decisions
- Develop key insights into culturally competent, community-responsive health care
- Gain “feet-on-the-ground” perspectives on future practice opportunities
- Experience the Great State of Maine- or a part of Maine that’s new to you!
Clinical rotations are available to health professions students from accredited U.S. training programs. Students and residents with an interest in rural, community-based primary care will benefit most from SEARCH. Participants do need to be U.S. Citizens.
Dental, Medical, FNP, PA, and Mental Health/Behavioral Health students seeking primary care rotations for credit may apply for clinical rotations September through May. One-day mini-rotations at one of Maine's family practice residencies may also be arranged for medical students. Similar placements at one Maine’s two Dental Residency Programs are also available.
Care Management Project
SEARCH participants undertake a culturally sensitive care action project. This typically involves getting to know a patient and their family to learn how care is provided in light of challenges created by rural poverty, geographic isolation, and cultural beliefs about health. In addition, students participate in various community health events that demonstrate the close integration of rural primary care with community life.
Housing and Stipends
SEARCH arranges and in most cases directly pays for low-cost housing within a reasonable driving distance from sites.
Given the realities of rural living, participants must have an automobile. MPCA can offer lowest-fare discounts on rental vehicles through Enterprise Rent-a-car.
ME SEARCH participants receive a separate weekly expense stipend. Additional scholarships are available to students who choose to train in Maine’s most remote counties: Aroostook and Washington. A limited number of special travel scholarships are also given to highest-priority students. (Chris: we have a standard document detailing these benefits but I don’t this is the place for it. “Sent upon request”- which means if they ask, we’ll gladly tell.)
How to Apply
Applications for clinical placements should be submitted at least four months prior to the desired start date. Acceptance is determined in part by an applicant's interest in rural primary care, plans to work with underserved communities- and likelihood of practicing in Maine eventually. Priority consideration is given to NHSC scholarship recipients as well as students fulfilling Maine Access to Medical Education obligations, students at Maine training programs and other Maine residents. Above all, acceptance is dependent upon whether student/residents’ specific needs and goals and requested placement dates can be fulfilled.
A completed application, brief resume and brief(er) personal statement are required for clinical rotations. All students must supply proof of liability coverage, personal health insurance, and an updated immunization record before beginning their rotation. Many sites also require a letter of Good Standing and Background Check.
For a Clinical Rotation application, click here.
For more information, about clinical rotations, contact:
Greta Doe
Program Coordinator
Maine Primary Care Association
73 Winthrop Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: 207-621-0677 Ext. 201
Fax: 207-621-0577
E-mail: gdoe@mepca.org
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