What the heck are these guys doing?
Matthew, Weston and Nathan are first year medical students with a passion for community health and biking. Along with Daphne, a first year Veterinary student, the 4 companions will embark on a five-week trip through 1,000 miles of rural Oregon wonder. Along the way they will be working in conjunction with the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians to facilitate community discussions on improving local healthcare options. See our photo album
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Send-off Breakfast
For those around Portland on Tuesday July 5th, the Office of Rural Health will be hosting a send-off breakfast at OHSU. We'll be carbo-loading and saying our goodbyes before cycling West to the Oregon Coast. Breakfast is from 9:00am-9:30am at the Alumni Fountain in front of Mackenzie Hall at OHSU. Coffee and snacks will be provided. We would love to see you there!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Ready to Roll: Bike Lab Update
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Nate's Ride
A few days ago I wrote about what Wes and I are riding. Today I'd like to talk about Nate's bike, the beautiful brown Kona Jake the Snake. Jake has endured Nate's punishing riding style for years, but never complained. And this trip will be no different. Nate has invested in an updated drive train (yes, even the stupendously strong Mr. Defrees decided he needed a few more "granny gears") and many other enhancements, and from the looks of it, his Kona will be ready to haul him for many thousands more miles.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What We're Riding
Wes
Wes is in the process of building up a gorgeous Salsa Vaya touring frame. It already looks like a sweet ride, built up with a 29ers and disc brakes. He's been a little bit distracted by school lately, but he's getting close. Can't wait to see the finished version. Here's the latest shot:
Wes is in the process of building up a gorgeous Salsa Vaya touring frame. It already looks like a sweet ride, built up with a 29ers and disc brakes. He's been a little bit distracted by school lately, but he's getting close. Can't wait to see the finished version. Here's the latest shot:
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Message
Today we had our second practice session at the OAFP headquarters. It was great to run through the presentation, but also to talk through some of the issues surrounding rural healthcare. I personally left with a much deeper understanding of what the problem is, and what some possible ways to start addressing it are.
In a nutshell, here's our message:
Additionally, we want to emphasize that bringing additional primary care physicians into a community boosts the local economy, brings down the cost of health care for everyone, and most importantly makes the community healthier overall.
Also, we wanted to give a big thank you to the Area Health Education Center at OHSU for loaning us a netbook and modem to use during the trip!
In a nutshell, here's our message:
- That Oregon’s rural communities don’t have enough primary care doctors, which jeopardizes our health as well as our economic stability.
- That the OAFP hopes to encourage more graduating medical students to practice in rural areas by supporting bills at the state level to increase funding for loan repayment and forgiveness.
- And that by providing more support to rural medical practices, we can help rural areas hold on to the doctors they have.
Additionally, we want to emphasize that bringing additional primary care physicians into a community boosts the local economy, brings down the cost of health care for everyone, and most importantly makes the community healthier overall.
Also, we wanted to give a big thank you to the Area Health Education Center at OHSU for loaning us a netbook and modem to use during the trip!
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