Pub. 4 2020 Issue 2

Thank you www.mica-insurance.com Merci www.mica-insurance.com McKay Dee have a comprehensive training program. Spencer says not all training programs give you the breadth of expertise that McKay Dee has, so his work there has prepared him well for a career in rural medicine. When asked about other residency programs he may have considered, he says, “While there may have been some benefits of having experiences outside of Utah, staying in Utah has been a fan- tastic experience.” Spencer is currently working with Midtown Community Health Center in Ogden, Utah. He is gaining invaluable experiences work- ing with physicians such as Dr. Kurt Rifleman, and he is also learning to speak Spanish while work- ing there. Spencer says that while Delta does not currently have many Spanish-speaking providers, there is a great need in the community for them. Being able to speak Spanish will be incredibly use- ful in his practice. Preserving Rural Life One of the most important components of preserv- ing people’s ability to live in rural communities is to provide comprehensive medical care where they live. “A family doctor in the community can be such an integral part of the community and build trust with patients in a way doctors in larger communi- ties may not experience,” according to Spencer. And with the increased prevalence of telemedicine due to the pandemic, rural physicians and patients will have access to more specialized care without leaving their hometown. Spencer says, “In a rural community, you see video advances helping to keep some patients in smaller, rural hospitals as you can consult with specialists without the patient having to travel.” He also sees telemedicine’s advantage for a mental health visit with a patient, particularly if that patient has considerable anxiety about coming to the appointment in person. While telemedicine also has its limitations for things that need to be seen to assess, it has the potential to continue to benefit rural patients in many ways. Turns Out You Can Go Home Again Dr. Nielson already has a job waiting for him at the Delta Family Medicine — Revere Health clinic when he completes his residency in 2021. Spencer rec- ognizes the potential challenges of returning to the community where he grew up. He will be treating both family and friends who knew him from child- hood. But he knows his background will help him; he already has a relationship with this community, and he will have the trust of the people he treats. He will also return with the confidence of the training he received as a family physician that has prepared him for the unique challenges of practicing medicine in a rural community. As a family physician, he will be Resident Spotlight | Continued from page 13 Dr. Nielson already has a job waiting for him at the Delta Family Medicine — Revere Health clinic when he completes his residency in 2021. Spencer recognizes the potential challenges of returning to the community where he grew up. able to cover clinic, handle some emergency medicine, deliver on the O.B. floor, and practice inpatient medicine as well. Spencer will be returning to Delta with his wife, whom he met while attending school in Cedar City. She grew up in Ogden (which also was a factor in choosing a residency in Ogden) and understands that moving to a smaller community like Delta will be a bit of a culture shock. But she has had time to get used to the idea, and she is excited for the next leg of their journey together as a couple. www.UtahAFP.org | 14