UPMC Rural Residency Trains Doctors to Serve Rural Areas

According to a brief by the Department of Health, 1 in 5 people live in rural areas, but many lack access to adequate health care, and only 11% of doctors practice in rural locations.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Medical Center (UPMC) offers a residency program that trains doctors to serve rural communities.

During the program, residents learn medical outreach and address unique rural health needs.

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SquashSmarts Helps Philly Students with Academics, Athletics 

The Philadelphia nonprofit SquashSmarts aims to engage students in squash and put kids on the path to college, careers or unique opportunities post-graduation. 

The seven-year program, which runs from middle school to high school graduation, creates community connection, increases physical activity, and presents academic opportunities.

The program hosts 160 students at a time and aims to recruit children from underserved communities.

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ChalleNGe Academy Graduates Largest Class in Program History

The largest class in the history of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) graduated in the residency phase semester.

The KSCA is a 22-week program that aims to give challenged teens a second chance to receive discipline, leadership skills, and responsibility while pursuing an education.

The program also features community service, such as working in food banks, maintaining green spaces, and assisting with the annual March of the Fallen. 



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Insights from Apprentices on Working with a Small or Medium Business

Over the last several years, the United States has shifted from four-year college degrees to skills-based industries.

Apprenticeships have become an increasingly desirable pathway to career development and offer a new perspective to changing workforces.

The Urban Institute provides insights from apprentices who participated in tech programs in small and medium businesses. 



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In Native Communities, Broadband Gaps Create Health Gaps 

In addition to health care challenges presented by living in rural areas, broadband gaps also prevent Telehealth and other means of searching for care.

The federal Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program has awarded millions to tribal communities, but funding obstacles and challenges still exist.

KFF Health News discusses the care gaps that happen in tribal communities because of broadband access and how funding aims to address broadband expansion. 

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Why AI Companions Need Public Health Regulation, Not Tech Oversight

AI companions offer addictive features and lack of human connection that may pose as a risk to children’s developmental and mental health.

While medical devices undergo intensive testing, information technology has less oversight, despite some concern on usage having health effects.

Brookings Research explores how viewing AI companions in a public health lens may lead to more comprehensive regulatory pathways and tools 



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