Residents with an interest in rural, community-based primary care will benefit most from SEARCH. SEARCH is an acronym for Student/Resident Experiences And Rotations in Community Health, a program initiated in 1994 and funded through the National Health Service Corps. Nationwide applicants are accepted, with special consideration given to NHSC Scholar residents interested in practicing in Maine, and native Mainers.

Family practice residents seeking primary care rotations for credit may apply for clinical rotations September through May.

For a Resident Rotation application, click here.

Residents are matched to sites and preceptors who best meet their stated training needs and interests or their particular skills and experience. Residents are often interested in working at sites with current or anticipated clinical opportunities. Maine SEARCH tries to accommodate requests for specific sites as much as possible.

Housing and Stipends

SEARCH arranges low-cost housing within a reasonable driving distance from sites, often in the home of a community member. A stipend is provided for students to defray the cost of housing, travel and living expenses. Funds may be available to assist NHSC Scholars with travel to Maine.

Due to the realities of rural living, participants must have an automobile. There is no public transportation, and the great distances required for hospital rounds, home visits, and other project activities require independent transportation.

How to Apply

Applications for Resident Rotations should be submitted at least four months prior to the desired start date. Acceptance is determined in part by the degree of an applicant's interest in rural primary care, and plans to practice in an underserved area.

A completed application, resume and one-page biographical sketch are required for resident rotations. All residents are expected to supply proof of liability coverage, personal health insurance, and an updated immunization record before beginning their rotation. SEARCH will facilitate timely issuance of a temporary Maine license.

For more information, about clinical rotations, contact:

James R. Dowling, MS
Workforce Development Manager
Maine Primary Care Association
73 Winthrop Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: 207-621-0677 Ext. 203
Fax: 207-621-0577
E-mail: jrdowling@mepca.org

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