Dr. Eappen leads The University of Vermont Health Network, an academic health system that is evolving to meet the ever-changing dynamics of rural healthcare in Vermont and Northern New York. Half of its hospitals are critical access, which are key in preserving local services while connecting patients to a sustainable system of care. To address obstacles to digital access in rural areas and strengthen connections among rural providers and patients, the network implemented shared electronic medical records and digital image archiving. In the face of a workforce shortage exacerbated by rural recruitment and socioeconomic barriers, the Network Center for Workforce Development employs experiential learning, internal training programs and partnerships with colleges to fill frontline staff positions. They also partnered to create over 180 new housing units for employees in response to rural housing shortages, and the recruitment team is focusing on hiring about 250 additional providers. Dr. Eappen is renewing the focus on rural health disparities through a shift to value-based, population-health models and strategies such as a comprehensive and integrated system of care for cancer, which is one of five leading causes of premature death among rural residents.
