More Than Medicine: How Our Nonprofit is Shaping the Future of Rural Health
By Lake Country Medical Group
More Than Medicine: How Our Nonprofit is Shaping the Future of Rural Health
At Lake Country Medical Group, caring for our community means more than just what happens inside an exam room. We believe real healthcare extends into homes, classrooms, and even across borders. That’s why we’re proud to support and partner with the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative—a nonprofit founded by Dr. Nicolas Chronos that is changing lives in our own backyard and beyond.
What is the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative?
The Lake Country Rural Health Initiative (LCRHI) is a nonprofit rooted in a belief we hold deeply at Lake Country Medical Group: everyone deserves access to high-quality care, no matter where they live.
Rural communities often face unique healthcare challenges. There may be fewer clinics, longer travel times, or a shortage of providers. LCRHI was created to help change that reality. The mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare access by supporting patients in underserved areas while also building the next generation of compassionate, community-minded healthcare professionals.
But this work is about more than just access. It is about investing in people.
LCRHI offers a hands-on internship program for college students who are passionate about medicine, nursing, public health, and research. These students do more than observe. They take vitals, shadow providers, assist with community health screenings, and contribute to research. They gain real-world experience that cannot be found in a textbook.
Beyond clinical exposure, the initiative provides mentorship, leadership development, and scholarship support. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore different paths in healthcare, and serve patients with empathy and humility.
The program also reaches into the broader community. Through outreach events, local partnerships, and education, LCRHI helps make sure that more people in our area, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked, receive the care and attention they need. Every interaction, every volunteer hour, and every moment spent serving adds up to meaningful change.
Whether it is a student discovering a passion for rural medicine, a patient receiving care they might have missed, or research that leads to better outcomes, the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative is helping shape a healthier future.
It is one of the many ways Lake Country Medical Group continues to care for our neighbors with purpose and compassion.
Caroline’s Story: From Intern to International Impact
If you want to see the heart behind this work, look no further than Caroline Wheeler. She began as an intern with us in early 2023. Over time, she stepped into more clinical roles, worked on meaningful research, and developed a deep passion for rural medicine. That passion didn’t stop here—it has taken her across the globe.
Caroline’s story is a powerful example of how early exposure, strong mentorship, and opportunities to serve can shape a future in healthcare. It’s also a reminder that when we invest in people, the ripple effects can go far beyond what we imagine.
We invite you to read more about her journey in LCRHI’s latest blog post:
👉 From Intern to International Impact
Why This Matters
- Patients benefit from better access to care, especially in areas where resources are limited.
- Students gain experience that inspires them to serve in rural and underserved communities.
- Research leads to change, helping us better understand and meet the needs of real people.
How You Can Be Part of This
If you’re inspired by what LCRHI is doing, we hope you’ll stay connected:
- Read more stories like Caroline’s on the LCRHI blog
- Consider a gift or donation to support programs like student scholarships and rural outreach
- Share this post to help spread the word
At Lake Country Medical Group, we’re proud to be part of a community that doesn’t just talk about better care, we invest in it. And we’re grateful for every patient, partner, and student who joins us in that mission.