Inside the Work of Strengthening Rural Healthcare

FMOL Health Vice President of Rural Strategy Dave Estorge and Emilio Russo, MD, FAAFP, department chair and associate professor of family medicine with LSU Health, join host Lexi in this episode of Straight from the Source. They talk candidly about rural health, the challenges communities face, the hope that drives the work and why relationships are at the center of every strategy.  Estorge shares how rural hospitals serve as the backbone of their communities and why partnership, not competition, is key to strengthening care close to home. Dr. Russo discusses the LSU Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa and what it means to train physicians who truly belong to the communities they serve.  You'll hear stories of transfer coordination, supporting families who must travel for care, and the simple human touches, even a thank-you email, that build trust across hospitals and communities.  Whether you live in a rural community, serve in one of our facilities or simply care about the future of access to healthcare, this conversation offers perspective, connection and hope, Straight from the Source.  Key Moments  Why Rural Health Matters – 6:54 A Simple Email that Changes Everything in Transfers – 4:51 When a Transfer Is More Than a Transfer – 8:53 "Health Is Relationship": Redefining What Care Really Means – 9:15 Connecting Care Along the I-10 and I-12 Corridors – 18:58 Supporting Families on the Road – 28:44 Bogalusa as Teacher: Training Physicians Through Community – 36:42 Learn more about the LSU Rural Family Medicine Residency Program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/lsu-rural-family-medicine-residency-program   Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/about-us/mission/rural-health-is-relationship-centered/  Straight from the Source is a podcast from FMOL Health. Have an idea for a future episode or topic? Leave a comment or email us at [email protected]