4th Annual WML Academic Symposium - Maegen Hellberg

Since the 1960s, physician assistants have been used to improve access to care for the underserved-particularly in rural areas. Over the last decade, a growing number of physician assistants have chosen specialization and elected to practice in urban or suburban areas- areas for which access to care is less of a significant problem. This study attempts to understand how clinical rotations seem to affect the decision-making process and intent to practice of students enrolled in the Campbell PA program. Through a mixed methods design that combines survey research and interviewing, this study seeks to contribute to current literature and develop an understanding of possible ways to address the access to care challenges faced by rural communities during professional training.