Interview: Dr. Vicky Gulley, a family practice physician in Waynesville, on her experience with PRIMO.
PRIMO Pros: How did you discover PRIMO?
Dr. Gulley: In my undergraduate time one of my friends mentioned it and I started making applications in my undergraduate years. I applied every year, but wasn’t accepted until my senior year in medical school.
PP: Where did you grow up and how did that impact your decision to go the PRIMO route?
Dr. Gulley: I grew up in a very rural area and went to a D.O. all my younger years. I knew I wanted a small, rural practice where I would be able to develop deeper relationships with my patients.
PP: How do you think your relationship with your patients differs from what it might if you were working in an urban area?
Dr. Gulley: People don’t move around as much, so I’m seeing patients for years and watching children grow up. I think pts in a rural area are more inclined to share personal details – which I truly do enjoy.
PP: What kind of impact do you think the PRIMO program has on rural communities?
Dr. Gulley: I think it makes it possible to consider working rural areas if you have less to worry about in student loan repayment. You can tolerate the smaller financial reward and have the kind of practice you hope for.
PP: What do you find rewarding about working where you do? Will you continue working in an underserved area?
Dr. Gulley: I really like my patients – they are down-to-earth, good hearted people. They share their lives with me, and we are able to develop a real relationship. It makes them much more likely to listen to me when we talk about health needs, lifestyle changes, treatment plans. I can’t see myself working anywhere else but this kind of community.
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