In this episode of the We Talk Health podcast, we sit down with Linda Burks, Medical Student Director at Henry County Hospital to discuss our Medical Student Program—a unique opportunity that brings hands-on learning and mentorship to the next generation of healthcare providers.

Linda shares what a typical day looks like in her role, and what inspired her to dedicate her career to mentoring medical students. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the White Coat Ceremony to Match Day, and explains how personal, rural-based clinical training in Paris, TN, can be a life-changing experience for young medical professionals.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What it’s like to lead a medical student program in a rural hospital

Key lessons and values students take away from their rotations

How West Tennessee Healthcare works with preceptors to create strong clinical learning environments

Special opportunities outside the classroom—like research, simulation training, and telehealth

The importance of community in shaping the student experience

The future of healthcare education, including AI, team-based care, and more

Whether you’re a medical student, an educator, or simply curious about how our hospital is shaping tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, this episode offers thoughtful insights and inspiration.

Guest:

Linda Burks, MA, MT

Medical Student Director

Host:

Kara Mobley

Social Media Coordinator