One Month Rural
![Michelle Blumenschine is a medical student in the Class of 2018. She holds degrees in film & TV production and journalism & mass communication from New York University and completed her pre-med post-bac certificate at Columbia University. Before moving to Phoenix from New York City, Michelle worked as a documentary film producer. She enjoys making to-do lists, drinking craft beer, and collecting National Geographic magazines. She is pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology.](https://e633dafa.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/michelle-blumenschine.jpg)
Medical student Michelle Blumenschine discusses her rural rotation in Southwest New Mexico, which was arranged by CHI’s FORWARD NM program.
“While I regularly witnessed disparities in access to healthcare and staggering rates of mental illness, I was astounded by the pride and passion of the community and the effectiveness of local healthcare providers. I took part in caring for entire families and extended families and saw how members of the small community relied on one another. My rotation provided many learning opportunities I hadn’t yet received in Phoenix.”