Rural Spotlight

Webinar: Robotic Surgery as a Safety-net Advantage at Cook County Health, August 11

August 6, 2025

Webinar: Robotic Surgery as a Safety-net Advantage at Cook County Health, August 11

For many hospitals, every investment faces the same scrutiny: does it expand access, improve outcomes, and keep the bottom line intact?

For Cook County Health, saying yes to robotic-assisted surgery did all three.

On August 11, join two leaders who built the program from the ground up and see how minimally invasive care became a catalyst for mission and margin alike. Speakers will share how Cook County Health launched and scaled a robotic surgery program while navigating limited capital, workforce training gaps and implementation barriers.

Whether you are evaluating the acquisition of your first robotic system or trying to accelerate growth, this session will challenge assumptions, share hard-won lessons, and show what’s possible when mission and business strategy align.

Learnings Include:

  • Evaluating minimally invasive surgery as a health equity initiative for underserved populations,
  • Leveraging data to build a financially sustainable business plan to expand 24/7 robotic surgery access, and
  • Key to overcoming barriers to programmatic expansion – from lack of buy-in belief to resource constraints.

Cost: Free

When: Monday, August 11, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Whitepaper: Expanding Access to Care and Improving Clinician Wellbeing at FQHCs with AI

August 6, 2025

Whitepaper: Expanding Access to Care and Improving Clinician Wellbeing at FQHCs with AI

Abridge FQHC partners – El Rio Health, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, TrueCare, and AltaMed Health Services – are integrating generative AI for clinical documentation to expand access to care by as much as 25% by boosting efficiency and enhancing clinician and patient experiences.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a crucial part of the U.S. healthcare system, ensuring access to quality care in underserved areas, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

Abridge has developed a deep partnership model to adapt to the unique needs of FQHCs across the country, including robust multilingual support and ease of implementation of advanced AI technology.

Click Here to Download Whitepaper

NRHA’s 23rd Rural Health Clinic Conference and 24th Critical Access Hospital Conference, September 23-26, Kansas City, MO

August 6, 2025

NRHA’s 23rd Rural Health Clinic Conference and 24th Critical Access Hospital Conference, September 23-26, Kansas City, MO

Calling all clinic and CAH stakeholders to Kansas City. Don’t miss your chance to share with colleagues, network with partners, and learn from experts from across the country in NRHA’s Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital Conferences.

This is your chance to take advantage of over 40 educational and networking opportunities designed for clinic and hospital professionals and board members serving rural America.

Click Here to Learn More and Register

Now Accepting Applications: Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program (TTAP), Apply by September 30

August 6, 2025

Now Accepting Applications: Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program (TTAP), Apply by September 30

The Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program (TTAP) aims to provide technical assistance to rural hospitals to help maintain essential services locally. Four hospitals will be selected to receive intensive one-on-one technical assistance from consultants to address prioritized financial and operational needs.

The TTAP is a federally funded initiative that offers comprehensive technical assistance to rural hospitals to address financial and operational challenges and maintain essential health services for their communities.

Priority will be given to hospitals with the greatest demonstrated need for TA and the readiness to engage in in-depth technical assistance.

All hospitals will need to apply to be considered. Hospitals that applied last year and were not selected for the intensive TA cohort are encouraged to apply again.

Click Here to Learn More and Apply

CRHCP Course: Fall 2025 Session, Register by August 17

August 6, 2025

CRHCP Course: Fall 2025 Session, Register by August 17

The National Association of Rural Health Clinics’ Academy presents the only Nationally Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional (CRHCP) Online Course to enhance knowledge and successfully run an RHC.

Are you a director, clinic administrator, or other RHC professional looking to advance your career or grow in your role? The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) is offering a unique full-spectrum course designed to teach individuals how to operate a successful rural health clinic.

This comprehensive course covers all aspects of RHC operations and provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful rural health clinic professional. Upon completion of the course and attainment of an 80% or higher exam score, individuals will earn their CRHCP certification.

The CHRCP Certification Provides:

  • Foundation and broad scope of RHC knowledge,
  • Best practices & tools to run a successful RHC,
  • Up-to-date information on ever-changing RHC rules & regulations, and
  • Marketable certification and asset to your employer

The course content is all online with an online proctored final exam. Learners will schedule their final exam during the week of October 27-31, 2025. Course access begins August 18.

Cost:

  • NARHC Member Price – $500
  • Non-NARHC Member Price – $650

Click Here to Learn More and Register

Dental Grant Applications Now Open

August 6, 2025

Dental Grant Applications Now Open

Access to Care Grants fund community-based initiatives in the U.S. and its territories providing free or low-cost dental care for underserved children. Selected applicants receive one-year grants of up to $30,000.

Who Can Apply

All non-private dental and/or medical organizations located in the United States and its Territories are welcome to apply:

  • Nonprofit organizations,
  • Local health jurisdictions,
  • County health departments,
  • Hospitals and clinics,
  • State government agencies,
  • Colleges/schools of dentistry,
  • Colleges/schools of medicine
  • National, state, and local dental societies
  • Non-pediatric dentist programs (however, priority is given to projects with pediatric dental leadership)
  • Hygienist-based program (as long as they are conducted under direct supervision of a dentist)
  • Resident based programs (as long as a licensed dentist is overseeing all patients and running the program)

Click Here to Learn More

Article: Doctors Who Use AI Perceived Less Favorably, Survey Suggests

August 6, 2025

Article: Doctors Who Use AI Perceived Less Favorably, Survey Suggests

Physicians who use artificial intelligence (AI) are perceived less favorably than those who don’t use it, a survey showed.

In a survey of 1,276 U.S. adults who were shown fake social media or billboard advertisements for family doctors, physicians portrayed to use AI were perceived as significantly less competent, trustworthy, and empathetic compared with those whose AI use was not mentioned, reported Moritz Reis, MSc, of the University of Wuerzburg in Germany, and colleagues.

Additionally, study participants said they were significantly less willing to make an appointment with a physician if any type of AI use was indicated, Reis and colleagues noted in JAMA Network Open.

Key Takeaways:

  • Physicians portrayed to use AI were perceived less favorably than those who were not.
  • They were perceived as significantly less competent, trustworthy, and empathetic, and study participants indicated significantly lower willingness to schedule an appointment with them.
  • Findings held true regardless of whether physicians were portrayed to use AI for administrative, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.

Click Here to Read Article.

Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program Applications Open, Apply by September 11

August 6, 2025

Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program Applications Open, Apply by September 11

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program.

NRHA’s Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program is a yearlong training initiative designed to develop a diverse, Interprofessional network of rural health leaders from across the country. The Rural Health Fellows program prepares emerging leaders to champion rural health policy and drive meaningful change in their communities. Fellows gain hands-on experience through leadership development, policy engagement, and collaboration with other rural health professionals.

Each year, NRHA selects 15-20 individuals who will:

  • Expand their understanding of rural health policy,
  • Build a national network of peers and mentors,
  • Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills, and
  • Complete a team-based policy project that informs NRHA’s platform.

Applicants must:

  • Be an active NRHA member for at least one year prior to applying, and maintain membership throughout the program,
  • Demonstrate a commitment to rural health,
  • Attend all three in-person sessions:
    • 37th Rural Health Policy Institute, February 10-12, 2026, Washington, D.C.
    • 49th Annual Rural Health Conference, May 19-22, 2026, San Diego, CA
    • 38th Rural Health Policy Institute, February 9-11, 2027, Washington, D.C.
  • Participate in monthly virtual sessions,
  • Contribute to a team-based project, and
  • Be able to cover travel and accommodation expenses

Program Benefits:

  • Practical experience in rural health policy and advocacy,
  • Creation of a group policy brief,
  • Long-term professional connections, and
  • Opportunity to shape NRHA’s policy priorities.

Review Timeline:

  • Application deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • Notifications sent by: October 2025
  • Accepted Fellows must confirm participation within two weeks of acceptance

Program Cost – there is no fee to participate in the program. Travel and accommodations are the responsibility of the Fellow, though limited scholarship support is available.

Click Here to Learn More

Click Here to Apply

NRHA Webinar: Building Trust and Retention: Practical Communication Strategies for Rural Health Leaders, August 13

August 6, 2025

NRHA Webinar: Building Trust and Retention: Practical Communication Strategies for Rural Health Leaders, August 13

High turnover, disengagement, and strained communication cost rural hospitals time, resources, and patient outcomes. This session goes beyond theory to deliver proven methods you can put into practice immediately.

Jennifer Henry, MBA, has spent nearly a decade helping rural healthcare executives across the Midwest improve retention and team performance. Drawing on real case studies and the Everything DiSC® framework, she will walk you through:

  • Identifying hidden communication breakdowns
    • Learn how to uncover subtle patterns that erode trust and morale – before they drive staff out the door.
  • Defusing conflict without escalation
    • Get practical scripts and techniques to address tension in a way that preserves relationships and accountability
  • Strengthening leadership presence
    • Discover ways to communicate clearly and consistently under pressure, so teams stay aligned during staffing shortages and change.
  • Building Psychological Safety
    • See how small shifts in leadership behaviors can create an environment where staff feel safe to speak up and stay engaged.

You will leave with actionable strategies to reduce turnover costs, improve culture, and build a stronger, more resilient workforce in your rural hospital or clinic.

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, August 13, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

NRHA Webinar: Fixing Employee Health Workflows in Rural Hospitals Without Adding Staff, August 7

August 6, 2025

NRHA Webinar: Fixing Employee Health Workflows in Rural Hospitals Without Adding Staff, August 7

In this session learn how Tanner Health redesigned their employee health processes to reduce onboarding delays, improve documentation accuracy, and streamline compliance tracking – without adding staff or costly systems. You’ll walk away with strategies you can apply immediately to improve workforce readiness and reduce risk.

Tami Turner, BSN, RN, brings over 20 years of clinical experience and now leads onboarding and exposure response across Tanner’s rural hospital system. She’s joined by Samantha Boughner, MBA, who manages employee health systems, reduce manual workload, and increase documentation efficiency in real-world settings.

Attendees will:

  • Identify the most common breakdowns in onboarding and compliance documentation,
  • Learn how to improve tracking accuracy and audit readiness without additional staff, and
  • Take home a practical framework that rural hospitals can implement immediately.

This session is built for rural executives, nursing leaders, compliance officers, and medical group managers ready to fix what’s not working and move forward with confidence.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, August 7 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register