Rural rotation solidifies medical student's career path in emergency medicine

Dr. Kyle Rankin developed an interest in medicine in high school, which was further reinforced through shadowing experiences by his undergraduate studies.

“I was particularly drawn to emergency medicine during medical school due to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to make a positive impact during critical moments for patients,” says Dr. Rankin. “I particularly enjoy combining my analytical skills with a hands-on approach to patient care and the collaborative culture of the emergency department.”

Dr. Rankin grew up in Arlington, Texas, where his family still resides. He has spent the last eight years in the region, completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas. He went on to attend medical school at Kansas City University—Joplin due to its proximity and reputation.

Last fall, his mentor recommended completing an emergency medicine rotation with Dr. Jeremy Sturgell at Cox Barton County Hospital.

“This experience with Dr. Sturgell solidified my interest in rural emergency medicine,” says Dr. Rankin. “In March, I matched with the University of Nevada Las Vegas' Emergency Medicine Residency program, and I'm eager for this next chapter to begin.”

Beyond the initial patient assessment, Dr. Rankin says he enjoys the challenge of working through differential diagnoses in the emergency department. “It is like detective work, piecing together clues to reach a diagnosis and deliver the best course of treatment.”

During his rotation in rural healthcare, Dr. Rankin learned valuable lessons about advocating for positive change. The key takeaways were effective communication, active listening, and going above and beyond clinical duties.

“I believe that communication and relationship building are crucial in most health care settings, particularly in rural emergency medicine,” says Dr. Rankin. “It’s important to understand the community you serve, as it allows health care providers to tailor their services to meet the unique needs and challenges of each patient.”

Dr. Rankin would like to express gratitude toward the entire staff at Cox Barton for providing a supportive environment during the rotation, which has been a great way to finish medical school.

“I feel the valuable lessons I learned will help me in my future endeavors in rural emergency medicine,” says Dr. Rankin.