Ryan Banks, MD, is an University of Nebraska Medicine Center medical school graduate and an alum of the Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Banks now serves as a provider and rural preceptor for UNMC students in O’Neill, Nebraska for Avera Medical Group. Dr. Banks served as a preceptor in November 2015 for third year student Alexis Erbst and shares why his experience as a preceptor has been so rewarding.
As a medical student, what do you remember most about your rural rotation?
I was able to get a lot of experience on my rural rotation with clinical work, ER and OB. I enjoyed working with all the physicians and got to see how to practice medicine from multiple views.
Why did you become a preceptor?
I think precepting is a great way to give back to those who taught me; plus I think you can learn a lot from the medical students. It can be challenging but always is rewarding. I think it reflects positively on your clinic and the patients always enjoy seeing the medical student.
What skills do you enjoy teaching?
I enjoying teaching the “hands-on” skills such as OB, endoscopies, joint injections and taking care of skin lesions.
What advice would you give to others considering precepting?
I think precepting has been a rewarding experience. I enjoy inspiring students whether they are going to go into family practice or not. I think you are never too old to learn, and it has kept me sharp throughout the years.