Exploring Healthcare in Underserved Communities: Urban and Rural Perspectives
Location
PANEL: Global Health Perspectives
Learning Lab, Peters Hall
Moderator: Samantha Rohner
Document Type
Presentation - Open Access
Start Date
5-1-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
5-1-2026 12:00 PM
Abstract
Over the past several decades, healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas have continued to grow in the United States. It is well-documented in the literature that individuals living in rural areas tend to be poorer, sicker, and to have worse health behaviors compared to urban residents. However, despite typically having increased access to healthcare services, individuals living in urban areas also face unique health challenges due to environmental factors, high housing costs, and more.
This project utilizes experiential learning to gain hands-on knowledge about the realities of health care in different parts of the U.S. Clinical perspectives were gained through volunteer experience at two community hospitals: one in rural Pennsylvania and another in center-city Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, through working at the Lorain County Free Clinic, I built an understanding of community initiatives to provide healthcare to the underserved. Altogether, this project provides a glimpse into the unique strengths and challenges faced by rural and urban medical systems.
Keywords:
Global health, Patient care, Public health, Community service
Recommended Citation
Vo, Suzie, "Exploring Healthcare in Underserved Communities: Urban and Rural Perspectives" (2026). Research Symposium. 44.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2026/presentations/44
Major
Neuroscience
Project Mentor(s)
Gunnar Kwakye, Neuroscience
2026
Exploring Healthcare in Underserved Communities: Urban and Rural Perspectives
PANEL: Global Health Perspectives
Learning Lab, Peters Hall
Moderator: Samantha Rohner
Over the past several decades, healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas have continued to grow in the United States. It is well-documented in the literature that individuals living in rural areas tend to be poorer, sicker, and to have worse health behaviors compared to urban residents. However, despite typically having increased access to healthcare services, individuals living in urban areas also face unique health challenges due to environmental factors, high housing costs, and more.
This project utilizes experiential learning to gain hands-on knowledge about the realities of health care in different parts of the U.S. Clinical perspectives were gained through volunteer experience at two community hospitals: one in rural Pennsylvania and another in center-city Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, through working at the Lorain County Free Clinic, I built an understanding of community initiatives to provide healthcare to the underserved. Altogether, this project provides a glimpse into the unique strengths and challenges faced by rural and urban medical systems.
