Investing in the Future: Cox Monett Helps Shape Tomorrow's Rural Physicians

Jillian Voskovitch has known since childhood that she wanted to become a physician. Now, as a second-year student at the MU School of Medicine, she is spending part of her summer making that dream a reality at Cox Monett Hospital.  

Jillian, originally from Warrensburg, Mo., participates in the University of Missouri’s Rural Immersion Program. The program connects future physicians with vital health care resources in rural areas. Inspired by its mission to encourage young people from rural backgrounds to pursue a medical education, she decided to apply for the MU Bryant Scholars Pre-Admission Program as an undergraduate. Her application was accepted, setting her on a career path that is now taking shape.

Jillian is currently spending six weeks shadowing hospitalist Dr. Ronda Azelton, gaining firsthand experience with patients and health care providers in a critical access hospital setting.  

“Dr. Azelton has been an incredible mentor and physician to learn from,” says Jillian. “She approaches every patient with the highest level of kindness and empathy, taking the time to listen to their concerns and thoroughly address them. She has allowed me to play an active role in patient care and is continually helping me broaden my clinical knowledge. I’ve already learned so much while working alongside her.” 

Dr. Azelton, who has worked at Cox Monett for 17 years, expresses excitement about sharing the realities and rewards of rural medicine with future health care providers. 

"I'm happy to offer learning opportunities for our students because I love teaching the next generation, and they inspire me to keep learning as well," says Dr. Azelton. "It's important for these future physicians to see and experience rural medicine firsthand. I hope they will come to appreciate the joy, challenges, and opportunities it provides."

Jillian feels that she learns something new every day at the hospital and recognizes that there is no substitute for the experience she is gaining. She was surprised to discover just how involved a hospitalist is in the care of each patient within the medical-surgical department. 

"There is a strong sense of collaboration among all the team members at Cox Monett," she says. "I've also noticed that everyone knows each other, which has created a unique experience and makes the hospital feel like a community."  

Before this experience, Jillian assumed that rural medicine primarily focused on outpatient care.  

"Spending time at Cox Monett has shown me that rural hospitals can handle far more complex health issues than I initially believed," she says. "It has opened my eyes to how comprehensive and advanced rural care can be." 

As Jillian continues her journey toward becoming a physician, her time in Monett is providing her with a deeper understanding of rural medicine and a greater appreciation for the communities served by these hospitals. 

“Many students aren’t exposed to rural medicine and are unaware of the opportunities that practicing in these areas can offer,” she says. “If more providers are encouraged to explore rural health care, we can improve access to services, address physician shortages, and enhance the quality of care. This shift could also help reduce burnout among physicians and providers.”  

Although Jillian hasn’t yet decided where she wants to practice in the future, this experience has made her seriously consider a career in rural medicine.  

“I have enjoyed the sense of community that comes with working in a rural hospital,” Jillian explains. “You can see how important physicians are, not just in terms of health care, but also within the community. I can envision myself thriving in a setting like this.”