Mississippi Rural Health Fellowship Certification

Description

In order to recognize Mississippi healthcare providers and medical students' rural expertise and experience, the Mississippi Rural Health Association (MRHA) created a fellowship certification in 2016. This certification was the first of its kind and was designed to foster a greater understanding of rural-specific policies, regulations, and needs in the healthcare field.

The Mississippi Rural Health Fellowship (MRHF) is a 3-year certification awarded to administrators and hospital clinicians who work in a rural healthcare facility.

A committee of seasoned MRHA members reviews all applications and approves the applicants to receive the certification based on their meeting of the following required qualifications:

• Must be an active member of the Mississippi Rural Health Association
• Prior experience in rural health for 3 or more years (students omitted)
• Complete at least 75 hours of continuing education credits through MRHA or another organization over the 3-year certification period
• Complete a Quality Improvement Project or Policy/Legislation Project through work in a yearlong cohort

Services offered

The MRHF certification enhances the credibility of the awardee and gives them formal recognition for their dedication, understanding, and improvement of rural health.

The fellow program accepts applicants in January of each year that are part of a year-long cohort of professionals focused on either rural health policy, or community impact. These cohorts work together to accomplish either local or statewide projects for the overall benefit of Mississippi rural health.

Results

As of the end of 2022, 22 rural health professionals from across the state have received certification. Through this certification process, fellowship recipients have gained special acknowledgement for their experience and work in rural health, helping to set them apart from others in the field and serving as a milestone in their career.

Healthcare professionals receiving the certification have been recognized at special events and marketing efforts to MRHA members, healthcare facilities, and media outlets across the state.

Challenges

The greatest barrier to implementing this certification process has been finding the best avenues to promote certificate awardees to ensure they get adequate press coverage across the state. Although efforts were made to promote the opportunity through media outlets, self-publishing and creating awareness among MRHA members have been the most effective avenues for creating awareness.

Replication

The Mississippi Rural Health Association is willing to help other State Offices of Rural Health and Rural Health Associations start a fellowship certification in order to promote the benefit of working in rural health and those who do so. When considering offering a certification like this, the following should be considered:

• Streamline the process for approving fellowship recipients. Use electronic avenues to host applications, communicate with applicants, and announce winners.
• Create an aggressive public relations campaign to implement immediately after the awards are distributed, ensuring the awareness of certifications and awardees in healthcare facilities.

Contact Information

Ryan Kelly, Executive Director
Mississippi Rural Health Association
601.898.3001
ryan.kelly@mississippirural.org