E28: Limited Resources, Unlimited Commitment-Stories from Rural Medicine(w/Dr Jennifer Bacani McKenney)

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney shares her journey with Host Dr Saba Fatima, as a rural health advocate and physician in Fredonia, Kansas. She discusses the challenges and rewards of practicing in a rural setting, including the importance of community relationships, the impact of healthcare policies, and the need for innovative solutions to improve access to care. Dr. McKenney emphasizes the significance of building trust with patients, navigating emergency situations, and the unique experiences that come with rural medicine. She also highlights the importance of community engagement and leadership in fostering a healthier environment for all.

Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP, is a family physician in her hometown of Fredonia, Kansas, a community of approximately 2,200 people. She has owned and managed her practice Fredonia Family Care alongside her father and other great colleagues since 2009. Dr. McKenney was named the “2021 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year” by the National Rural Health Association and received the “Early Career Achievement Award” by the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2021.  She serves as the Wilson County health officer as well as the Fredonia city health officer. She is the Associate Dean of the Office of Rural Medical Education at the KU Medical Center where she focuses on rural health issues and rural workforce. She served as the President of the KAAFP and serves on the board of directors and as the Vice-Chair for the Kansas Health Foundation. She is a member of the Kansas Patients and Providers Engaged in Prevention Research (KPPEPR) board and participates in practice-based research. Contributing to the rural health pipeline, Dr. McKenney created the Fredonia Medical Academy, a two-week program for high school students to gain valuable exposure to medicine. She also established the Fredonia Area Community Foundation and Cultivate Fredonia, a community-wide growth initiative, and she serves on the board of directors for both. Dr. McKenney provides outpatient, inpatient, emergency department, surgical, and endoscopic services to her community. She is also the medical director of the local home health and hospice agency. She has made numerous recent appearances on national news and television programs covering COVID-19 and rural health, including CNN, CNBC, CBS, MSNBC, the New York Times, Washington Post, the Today Show, and NPR.

takeaways
Rural medicine presents unique challenges, including access to specialists.
Emergency situations can be particularly daunting in rural settings.
Building trust with patients is crucial for effective care.
Healthcare policies significantly impact rural communities.
Innovations like telemedicine can help bridge gaps in care.
Combating isolation and burnout is essential for rural physicians.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Rural Healthcare Challenges
02:18
Dr. McKenney's Journey to Rural Medicine
06:23
The Landscape of Rural Healthcare
09:12
Navigating Specialty Care in Rural Settings
12:32
The Role of Community in Healthcare
15:29
The Personal Touch in Patient Relationships
18:02
Challenges of Misinformation and Public Health
21:07
Impact of Policy Changes on Rural Health
23:55
Innovations and Future of Rural Healthcare
27:15
Staffing Challenges in Rural Medic

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

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