Rural Immersion Northwest Region
Location
Wright Memorial Hospital
191 Iowa Blvd Trenton, MO
Date
June 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM - June 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
About
Location: Northwest Region, Missouri
Dates: June 21st- 25th, 2026
The Rural Immersion Program is a four-day experiential opportunity designed for health professions students interested in living and working in rural communities. This non-clinical program emphasizes the social, cultural, and community dynamics of rural life. Through structured group activities and engagement with local leaders, participants gain insight into the realities and responsibilities associated with rural healthcare practice.
The program brings together students from pre-medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, and nursing disciplines to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants are organized into diverse teams, promoting the exchange of perspectives and strengthening teamwork across healthcare fields. Each group is assigned to engage with community leaders within one of four key sectors: business and government, education, healthcare, or natural resources. These interactions provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing rural community health and sustainability.
At the conclusion of the program, participants deliver presentations to peers and community stakeholders, summarizing their experiences, key insights, and reflections.
Program benefits include increased awareness of rural industries and organizations, expanded professional networks across health disciplines, exposure to daily life in a rural setting, and a deeper understanding of the non-clinical aspects of rural healthcare careers.
Cost: No cost for students to attend.
Housing: Provided in Trenton and Maryville.
Student Stipend: Students will receive a $740 participation stipend at the conclusion of the program. This includes funds needed to cover individual meals and travel.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Up to 20 students will be selected. Students must have an interest in rural practice and be enrolled in a pre-med/health professions program.
- Students must complete an application (including a resume) via Qualtrics by April 15th. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by early May.
Student expectations: Students are expected to attend an orientation session by video conference in May or June, write a one-page reflection paper about their experience in Northwest Missouri, complete an evaluation survey and give a group presentation to the community about their experience in the Rural Immersion Program.
Sessions
June 21, 2026
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05:00 PM - 06:30 PM CDT Meet and Greet
Meet and greet with students participating in Rural Immersion.
Location: Uprooted Creamery: 1011 Main St, Trenton, MO 64683
June 22, 2026
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08:00 AM - 09:00 AM CDT Wright Memorial Walking Hospital Tour
Wright Memorial Hospital walking tour with hospital CEO.
Location: Wright Memorial Hospital: 191 Iowa Blvd, Trenton, MO 64683
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09:00 AM - 09:45 AM CDT State of Healthcare in MO and Advocacy
High level overview of healthcare statistics and disparities within the Northwest region in comparison to Missouri and advocacy with Nate Blackford Vice president membership, Missouri Hospital Association.
Location: Wright Memorial Hospital
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10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT Trenton Government Panel
Catherine Hamilton, CEO Wright Memorial Hospital, Senator Rusty Black, Rep Mazzie Christensen, Commissioner Kevin Ireland, Commissioner Phillip Ray, Mayor Jackie Soptic, Matt Walker, Grundy County Director of EMS Services
Location: Wright Memorial Hospital
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11:50 AM - 02:00 PM CDT Shelburne Hills Farms Lunch and Tour
Step onto a piece of living history with a tour of Shelburne Hills Farm, a Missouri Century Farm rooted in tradition since 1867. What began when Jerome D. Rice journeyed west from Massachusetts has grown into a seven-generation legacy, now proudly stewarded by his descendants—Dean Rice, Jean Rice Eakin, and their families. During this engaging tour, you’ll experience firsthand how generations of dedication have shaped a thriving cattle operation focused on quality, resilience, and sustainability. Learn how the family has carefully selected and cultivated their herd for superior genetics, producing hardy, adaptive cattle and exceptional beef. From pasture to plate, discover the passion, heritage, and innovation that continue to define Shelburne Hills Farm—and why sharing that legacy with others remains at the heart of what they do.
Location: Shelburne Hills Farms: 663 SW Highway W, Trenton MO 64683
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02:30 PM - 04:00 PM CDT Northwest Education Panel
Join us as we dive into the regions education opportunities with Fiona Sanson Missouri Western State University, Kristi Cutsinger Director of Health Sciences of North Central Missouri College, Dr. Brooke McAtee Director of Northwest Missouri State University Nursing Program, Janna Ingram NCMC, Brandon Johnson, MWSU.
Location: Wright Memorial Hospital
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04:00 PM - 05:00 PM CDT Green Hills Regional Planning Commission
The Green Hills Regional Planning Commission (GHRPC), located in Trenton, MO is one of the nineteen organizations operating as a sub-state planning and development agency serving the State of Missiouri. It's mission is to partner with rural communities to implement plans that promote a strong workforce and economic development by providing more housing, transportation and infrastructure choices and economic climate and well being of the region.
Location: Wright Memorial Hospital
June 23, 2026
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09:30 AM - 10:30 AM CDT GRM Network
Step inside the world of connectivity with a behind-the-scenes tour of GRM Networks, a member-owned cooperative powering communication across 4,500 square miles in Northern Missouri and Southern Iowa. Discover how cutting-edge technology, local investment, and a commitment to exceptional service come together to keep 44 communities—and counting—connected, including through its subsidiaries LTC Networks and SCC Networks.
Location: GRM Networks Address: 1001 Kentucky St, Princeton MO 64673
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10:45 AM - 11:45 PM CDT One Health Initiative
Introduce One Health Initiative with Brandon Spratt and Roger Still to expand on efforts to include mapping greenspace access, promoting local food systems, and planning a Lifestyle Medicine clinic in a city park to improve community health.
Location: GRM Networks
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12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT GRM Network Board Meeting Lunch
Enjoy lunch with GRM board members to gain insight on initiatives within the community to broaden bandwidth.
Location: GRM
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01:45 PM - 03:15 PM CDT Dunn Ranch Prairie Tour
Explore the restoration of one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems at Dunn Ranch Prairie, part of the expansive Grand River Grasslands. On this tour, you’ll witness a thriving tallgrass prairie where bison roam, prairie-chickens boom, and native wildlife flourish—all while learning how conservation efforts are rebuilding critical habitat. Discover how decades of restoration, from prescribed burns to native reseeding, are bringing this historic landscape back to life and preserving it for future generations.
Location: Dunn Ranch: 16970 W 150th St, Hatfield, MO 64458
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04:00 PM - 05:00 PM CDT Hundley-Whaley MU-Extension and Education Center Farm Tour
Visit the 375-acre Hundley-Whaley Research Center, where cutting-edge research in corn and soybean production comes to life. This tour highlights sustainable agriculture practices, pesticide evaluations, and innovative strategies for managing crops and bottomland soils in an ideal agronomic setting.
Location: Hundley-Whaley MU-Extension Education Center 1109 S Birch St, Albany, MO 64402
June 24, 2026
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08:15 AM - 09:45 AM CDT Downtown Maryville Tour
Tour downtown Maryville and see firsthand how strategic economic development is shaping a thriving small-city center. Learn how investment in local businesses, revitalization efforts, and community partnerships are fueling growth, strengthening the downtown corridor, and creating new opportunities while preserving its historic charm.
Location: Nodaway County Extension Center, 403 N Market, Room 308, Maryville, MO 64468
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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Public Safety "Day-in-the-life" perspective
Experience a “Day in the Life” of public safety in Maryville, gaining an inside look at the coordinated efforts that keep the community safe. Participants will engage with the Maryville Fire Department, Maryville Police Department, Northwest Regional Communications Center, Nodaway County Sheriff's Office, local ambulance district, emergency management, and the Northwest Missouri State University Police Department to see how each agency responds, communicates, and collaborates in real time. This hands-on perspective highlights the teamwork, technology, and fast-paced decision-making that protect lives and strengthen community safety every day.
Location: Maryville Public Safety: 101 N. Vine, Maryville, Missouri 64468
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12:30 PM - 01:00 PM CDT Lunch
Location: Mosaic Medical Center: 2016 S Main St, Maryville, MO 64468
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01:00 PM - 02:00 PM CDT State of Missouri Dental Health
Join us as we dive into Missouri Dental health needs with Meghan Krohn DDS, Executive Vice President of Dentistry.
Location: Mosaic Medical Center- Maryville
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02:00 PM - 02:50 PM CDT Mosaic Medical Center Hospital Tour
Take a tour of Mosaic Medical Center with Bridget Kenny, and Britani Manthe.
Location: Mosaic Medical Center Hospital
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03:00 PM - 04:00 PM CDT Missouri Rural Health Association Needs
Join us to discuss the Missouri Rural Health Association Needs Assessment with Libby Trammell.
Location: Mosaic Medical Center- Maryville
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04:00 PM - 05:30 PM CDT Northwest Missouri Behavioral Health Panel
This panel discussion features local leaders sharing insights on the coordinated behavioral health efforts emerging across Northwest Missouri and the multi-sector approach to addressing mental health and substance use challenges in rural communities. Panelists will highlight how clinical providers, community-based services, crisis response efforts, and prevention initiatives work together to support individuals across the continuum of care- from early intervention to crisis stabilization and long-term recovery. The discussion will also explore the role of community collaboration in improving awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening connections between existing resources.
Location: Mosaic Medical Center
June 25, 2026
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08:00 AM - 09:00 AM CDT Breakfast with Health Professionals
Networking breakfast with healthcare providers.
Location: Mozingo Conference Center: 1 Fall Dr, Maryville, MO 64468
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09:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT Dentistry and Private Practice in Rural Communities
Join us to explore Dr. Fallon L. Stiens, DDS, of Family Dental in Stanberry, Missouri, and her commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered dental care for all ages. This session highlights her approach to preventive and restorative dentistry in a welcoming environment focused on comfort, trust, and lifelong oral health for the community.
Location: Mozingo Conference Center
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10:15 AM - 12:30 PM CDT Rural Immersion Student Presentation
Students present their findings of Northwest Missouri.
Location: Mozingo Conference Center