Medical students partner with senior center to strengthen rural care

A new partnership is taking shape at the Johnson County Senior Center, connecting local seniors with future physicians from East Tennessee State University's Quillen College of Medicine. As part of a two-semester rural community elective, medical students and their professors, Dr. Randy Byington and Dr. Laura Trull, will visit the senior center monthly to better understand the strengths and needs of Johnson County. Quillen College of Medicine's mission emphasizes preparing physicians to serve rural and underserved communities throughout Appalachia, and this hands-on experience allows students to learn directly from the people they hope to serve. Their first visit on Tuesday, Feb. 17, began with a warm welcome, including a hug at the door, and continued with a stop on the Senior Center's weekly WMCT radio segment, Johnson County Talks with Dan Coulter. Faculty member Dr.Trull and first-year medical student Zoe Doubrley joined Director Kathy Motsinger-Eller on air to introduce the program and share their hopes for the semester. After the broadcast, students spent time visiting with members and participating in activities. Zoe joined the quilting circle and quickly discovered the skill involved. "My finger has not fully recovered yet," she joked, drawing laughter. While the day was lighthearted, the purpose behind the visits runs deeper. After lunch the students participated in a fun game of musical chairs with the senior adults. It was a fun time with many laughs and new friendships formed. Throughout the semester, students will conduct a strengths and needs assessment by meeting with senior center members and staff, Johnson County school representatives, community leaders, and others across the county. They plan to review available data, ride along on meal deliveries, and spend time learning what residents value most, what concerns them, and what hopes they have for the future of their rural community. From that assessment, the students will develop a report and propose projects for the fall semester. Previous college and community partnerships have led to health classes, educational programs, and other initiatives shaped by local input. Director Kathy Motsinger-Eller is excited about the partnership and looks forward to seeing what it may bring to Johnson County. The ETSU students will return on Tuesday, March 24, continuing what promises to be a meaningful collaboration rooted in listening, learning, and community connection. For more information about the Johnson County Senior Center and its programs, visit johnsoncountyseniorcenter.com, stop by Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call (423) 727-8883.