Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative (SHOI)
SHOI gives students the opportunity to make a difference in an underserved community in Oregon. Many of the underserved communities in Oregon are rural. During your time as a SHOI scholar, it is beneficial for you to explore both urban and rural practice opportunities to maximize your chances of securing employment at an eligible site to meet your service commitment. Below are some ways you can connect with rural communities while you are at OHSU.
OHSU groups can help you navigate and connect with the rural world.
- All SHOI scholars are encouraged to join the Inter-professional Rural Health Interest Group (RHIG)
- Talk to your program faculty about bringing in rural speakers, rotations, or arranging other rural enrichment experiences.
- Connect with OHSU’s Campus for Rural Health by contacting Linda Martin.
- Connect with Oregon’s regional Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) to find out what they can do for you. Each AHEC has different programs and resources, so please reach out and talk to them about your interests and needs. See AHEC regional profiles for descriptions and contact information.
- For questions about the SHOI application, or the application process, contact Anna Tupper
SHOI gives students the opportunity to make a difference in underserved communities of Oregon. During your time as a SHOI scholar, it is beneficial for you to explore a variety of communities and practice opportunities to maximize your chances of securing employment at an eligible site to meet your service commitment.
- One year of clinical service in an approved rural Oregon practice site in exchange for each year of funding granted plus one additional year
- Service shall begin no later than 90 days following completion of a primary care residency, or graduation from physician assistant or nurse practitioner training program
- Participant must provide a minimum of 32 hours per week of clinical practice at an approved site for a total of 45 weeks in a 52 week period for the entire length of the SHOI commitment.
The above points are only highlights of the SHOI service commitment and do not include all SHOI obligations and requirements.
Practice sites must have a Site Application on file and be approved by the Oregon Office of Rural Health. SHOI participants must receive written confirmation from the Office of Rural health that a practice site qualifies for SHOI before signing an employment contract with the practice site.
Practice sites in urban areas include (primary care only):
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs);
- County and state correctional facilities;
- Community Mental Health Clinics;
- State Mental Hospital –Salem;
- A Non-profit facility, with a HPSA for your profession, seeing a high percentage of Medicaid and/or Medicare patients;
- Other primary care facilities as identified by the Oregon Office of Rural Health with a HPSA score for your profession;
Practice sites in rural areas include (primary care and all other specialties):
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs);
- Sites in rural areas in Oregon, with a HPSA for your profession, seeing the same percentage of Medicaid and/or Medicare patients that exist in the county in which the clinic is located;
- County and State correctional facilities;
- Community Mental Health Clinics;
- State Mental Hospital- Junction City;
- Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and other rural hospitals;
- Certified Rural Health Clinics (RHC);
- Veterans Affairs Facilities;
- Tribal Clinics
Working as a full time Hospitalist is not allowed while you are under your SHOI obligation, no matter the practice site's location or qualification status.
Click here for more for information on SHOI practice sites
See the SHOI FAQs for more information on your SHOI obligation.
ORH provides support for SHOI students by helping identify eligible practice sites, connecting you with eligible sites that are hiring and monitoring your employment hours while you are fulfilling your service commitment.
Students and residents will receive annual check-in and reminder emails from our office, asking about your practice interests and preferences. We’ll refer you to posted opportunities based on your preferences and do outreach on your behalf, as needed.
You can access rural and other underserved job postings on 3RNET and our office will forward other eligible opportunities but it is beneficial for program participants to research clinics in communities of interest to expand your options.
We’re also available to meet with students individually. Contact ORH Workforce Services | 503-494-4450 | toll-free 866-674-4376.
It is important to remember that SHOI scholars are ultimately responsible for securing their own employment at an approved service site, but we are here to help connect with as many opportunities as possible.
Contact
Workforce Services | 503-494-4450 | toll-free 866-674-4376
Seeking job opportunities in healthcare? Create a free profile at 3RNET and access active opportunities in Oregon.