Careers

Description:

Seeking a student volunteer to assist in the development of a report and associated research products describing community health centers’ (CHC) role and impact in rural areas. The student volunteer will lead this project by:

• Researching and writing about the CHC movement, including innovative approaches like "food as medicine" and comprehensive care services, particularly with respect to rural CHCs
• Describing the role CHCs play in the delivery of healthcare in rural communities
• Analyzing and summarizing data (from the existing literature) on:
  • Financial impact of CHCs in rural communities
  • Cost savings from reduced ER usage and improved chronic disease outcomes
  • Health outcomes for key measures (hypertension, behavioral health, etc.)
• Summarizing case studies from rural CHCs and potentially analyzing qualitative data from key informant interviews
• Documenting challenges faced by rural CHCs including:
  • Provider shortages
  • Resource limitations
  • High service demands
  • Health disparities
  • Financial constraints
• Researching promising strategies to strengthen rural CHCs:
  • Funding and policy considerations
  • Workforce development approaches
  • Telehealth integration opportunities
  • Innovative care models

This project will be conducted in partnership with the WWAMI Rural Health Research Center at the UW School of Medicine and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The completed report and associated research products will be disseminated to NACHC for national impact. This volunteer opportunity provides hands-on experience in healthcare policy research, data analysis, and professional networking while addressing critical rural healthcare challenges. Successful volunteers may be considered for future research opportunities through these established partnerships. 

Opportunity Start-End Dates: 5/15/2025 - 8/31/2025
Number of Students Accepted: 1
Total Hours: 150+
Special scheduling: Virtual only position / Volunteer

Skills/Eligibility:

We are seeking a student volunteer with excellent research skills, including ability to synthesize literature from diverse sources, develop graphs, tables, and infographics, and communicate findings with clarity and impact. Strong organizational abilities and commitment to meeting deadlines are essential. The ideal candidate will bring intellectual curiosity, creative problem-solving, and enthusiasm for research. Applicants should be current MPH or PhD students with understanding of US healthcare systems, particularly rural healthcare delivery models and community health center operations. Demonstrated interest in rural health equity is highly valued. 

How to Apply:

Please contact Director