06/10/2025
We have been pleased to host Colby Jerome, a first-year medical student at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, during his Rural Summer Externship. Originally from Mannford, OK, Colby spent two weeks with us gaining insight to the nuances of healthcare in rural communities.
“This summer I had the opportunity to participate in the Rural Summer Externship — a program that allows medical students who are considering working in rural areas to gain early exposure to how healthcare works in these communities.
As part of this externship, I spent two weeks shadowing Dr. Letney at the Lake Area Medical Associates clinic in Cleveland, OK. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to see firsthand the vital role rural physicians play in their communities. I observed the day-to-day operations of a rural clinic and gained a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and rewards that come with practicing in a smaller, more close-knit setting.
Being from a rural town myself, I’ve always had the goal of returning to practice in a community like Mannford or Cleveland. This experience reinforced my passion for serving in rural Oklahoma and helped me build a stronger connection to the kind of work I hope to do in the future.
I’m extremely grateful to Dr. Letney and the staff at Lake Area Medical Associates for welcoming me and providing such a valuable learning experience. Programs like the Rural Summer Externship are essential for helping students like me gain the insight and inspiration needed to pursue rural medicine.”
— Colby Jerome
Thank you, Colby, for choosing Lake Area Medical Associates and Cleveland Area Hospital as part of your journey toward a future in rural medicine!
