UMMC Holmes County Hospital Renovations

The SOM’s IMPACT the RACE program is excited to announce completion of renovations to UMMC Holmes County Hospital that have created housing space for students who choose to complete a rural clerkship in Lexington, MS.  The project started in the Spring of 2025, by revamping three unused patient rooms to resemble “dorm” rooms for students to live while they train on-site or at a nearby clinic.  A small office was also renovated to a student lounge and study area near the living spaces.  This work was fully funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant awarded the SOM, focused to enhance rural medical education, with a goal to increase the number of primary care providers in rural Mississippi communities. 

Beginning in December 2025, interested M3 students will stay in Lexington for four weeks to complete their Family Medicine rotation.  This experience allows the student a first-hand look at the practice of rural medicine.  Staying on site in the hospital further enhances the experience and provides students a glimpse of what being on call during residency may look like.  In addition to the clinical component, students will also be exposed to life in a rural community.

A similar project was completed at UMMC Grenada Hospital in 2022, where nine unused patient rooms were converted to student housing.  A student lounge, kitchenette, and classroom (with video conference capabilities) were also added to this space.  Currently, students travel to Grenada for a portion of their Surgery clerkship, and in the near future, OBGYN and Pediatrics.

Historically, a lack of access to housing has been a barrier for students who want to participate in rural clinical clerkships.  These renovations to UMMC Holmes County Hospital will allow it to be a reliable rural setting for clinical training.  Additional clerkship offerings in Lexington will be assessed for future clinical training opportunities.