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The PA-DEL AHEC develops and coordinates
community-based health professions education and training for medical
students, dental students, primary care residents, nurses, nurse
practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacy students and public and
allied health students. Since its inaugural year, 1994, the PA-DEL AHEC
has facilitated over 74,450 clinical training weeks for health
professions students. These students are primarily recruited to train
in underserved communities within the Commonwealth.
Working with over 48 community health centers and federally qualified
health centers, the PA-DEL AHEC fosters clinical training experiences that
teach students the rewards and challenges of working with at-risk
populations and the special knowledge and skills required to provide
quality care in communities with limited resources.
 Each Pennsylvania AHEC region is matched with a cooperating medical
school. The Northwest’s is the Pennsylvania State University College
of Medicine. This affiliation results in a special relationship
between the college and the primary care providers who comprise the
teaching force in community-based training. This relationship allows
for enrichment of the providers’ skills in patient care by providing
opportunities for continuing medical education and training provided
by the college. This education and training may be provided in the
community or at the school of medicine. It serves as a mechanism to
enhance the skills of our physicians and other primary care providers
in rural and underserved areas. This training is offered at low or no
cost to the professional who acts as a preceptor to the health
professions students.
Third year medical students are scheduled for 12 one month clinical
rotations in community based training sites, usually physician offices
or clinics. The AHEC assists its cooperating medical school with the
scheduling of these rotations in its region. It also assists other
professional schools with their rotations whenever possible. Students
are asked to complete evaluation forms at the beginning and end of
their rotations. The information gathered provides the AHEC and other
supporting organizations with information regarding the likelihood and
interest of that student in practicing in rural and/or underserved
areas in the region. Students may complete these forms online (click
here)
The other students include nurse practitioner students, physician
assistant students, pharmacy students, physical therapy students as
well as others. If you are a student and would like more information
about some of the available rotations
contact our office.
Being a teacher, mentor, or preceptor to these students is a very
rewarding and enriching experience. If you would like more information
about being a preceptor for a health professions student please
contact our office.
As part of their curriculum, health professions students are often
required to perform studies of various aspects of community health. If
you know of any project that would benefit your community,
contact our
office and we will find someone to assist you in
that effort.
Click here for the
Pennsylvania-Delaware AHEC Community-Based
Clinical Training Opportunities Booklet for Students of Health
Professions.
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