Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Troy Scott, a third-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who is participating in the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP).
Through the RPAP program, a third-year medical student lives in a rural community for nine months and participates in rotations of hospital and clinic care of patients under the supervision of local physicians. Scott will begin seeing patients on August 5 with Dr. Don Hughes, Riverwood Family Practice physician who acts as the primary mentor and trainer for resident physicians and medical students at Riverwood.
Over the coming months, Scott will also gain experience in obstetrics and gynecology, observe surgical care provided by local surgeons, and see patients in a variety of settings – including the clinic, hospital, emergency room, hospice, and within the community.
A native of Little Falls, Minn., Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of North Dakota.
Scott shares his approach to patient care: “I strive to build meaningful partnerships with my patients by creating an open and welcoming environment. My goal is to foster mutual trust and understanding while encouraging patients to actively engage in their own healthcare. I believe that when patients feel heard, respected, and involved, it leads to better outcomes and a stronger provider-patient relationship.”
He adds, “Rural medicine offers a unique opportunity to deliver truly personalized care—providers often know their patients and communities beyond the walls of the clinic or hospital. That’s what makes programs like RPAP so exciting to me. Rural communities hold a wealth of wisdom and naturally support strong, active engagement with the healthcare system.”
Before entering medical school, Scott gained valuable hands-on experience in patient care. He worked for five years as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Grand Forks, ND, followed by a year as an Emergency Department Technician in Brainerd, MN. These roles helped shape his commitment to patient-centered care and deepened his understanding of the healthcare system from the ground up.
Outside of medicine, Scott enjoys staying active through various sports. He also values time spent on the lake with friends and family, where he can relax, recharge, and stay connected to the people and places that matter most.