UMN Rural Physician Associate Program - RPAP

Following our program orientation, the 2026-2027 RPAP and MetroPAP class started at their sites this month. We are wishing our students a great start to their RPAP and MetroPAP experience!

Please join us in congratulating Andrew Middendorf, RPAP Student Achievement Recipient, and Lynna Ngo, MetroPAP Student Achievement Recipient! 👏

Nominated by their preceptors, Andrew and Lynna have made meaningful contributions to their clinical sites and communities, leaving a lasting impact on those around them. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to recognize our 2025-2026 RPAP/MetroPAP Preceptor Award recipients during our virtual awards presentation. 🎉Please join us in congratulating the outstanding preceptors recognized below, whose generosity, mentorship, and dedication help shape the next generation of physicians.

Get a glimpse of our RPAP students in action! 🩺 Follow a day in the life of Lila Lohmiller and Jake Schimek as they learn through continuity of care, community connection, and hands-on clinical experiences in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Congratulations to all of our RPAP/MetroPAP alumni on their match! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have paid off. Wishing you all the best in your next big step!🎉

RPAP Faculty member, Dr. Sandra Stover, is addressing the maternity care crisis. Check out her feature in the latest issue of Minnesota Family Physician.

Minnesota Family Physician • Winter 2026 • Page 12 RESEARCH Be Part of the Conversation: A Statewide Study on Maternity Care Credentialing 18 Minnesota counties have lost or redu Sandy Stover, MD, FAAFP by Sandy Stover, MD, FAAFP birth services between 201 DECLINING ACCESS TO BIRTH SERVICES The availability of birth services across the United States...

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Larry Brettingen. He was a valued RPAP preceptor in Mora, Minnesota whose commitment to teaching, mentorship, and rural healthcare made a lasting impact on our students and communities. Two of his RPAP students later joined him in practice, a true testament to his mentorship and influence. Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and loved ones.

Obituary for Larry Brettingen at Dresser-Methven Funeral and Cremation Services Larry Brettingen, of Mora, passed away on January 9, 2026, at his home. He was 85 years old. He was born on October 13, 1940, in Braham, MN to his parents Manferd and Theresa Brettingen. Larry lived in Mora through first grade, then moved to Brook Park. He graduated from

Three students. Three rural communities. One shared purpose.

Meet Sabdi Bravo-Benning, Lila Lohmiller, and Micah Christensen, UMN medical students whose RPAP experiences are shaping their paths in rural medicine.

Growing the Rural Physician Workforce Through Immersive Training The University of Minnesota Medical School’s Rural Physician Associate Program places medical students in rural communities for nine months of immersive training.

RPAP student, Micah Christenson, has returned to his hometown of Alexandria, MN through our program. We're thrilled that he is gaining valuable clinical experience at Alomere Health and in the community where his roots run deep!

Medical student Micah Christenson is getting hands-on experience at his hometown hospital, Alomere Health, for nine months through the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP)!

He’s learning from local physicians, working closely with patients, and inspiring local students to explore healthcare careers!

Read his story: https://bit.ly/44BNrlB.