Colorado Delegation Presents at Prestigious NASEM Rural Health Workshop

[From left to right]: Mark Deutchman, MD, FAAFP; Meggan Grant-Nierman, DO; and Kevin Stansbury, MS, JD, FACHE. 

Mark Deutchman, MD, FAAFP, CU Anschutz Associate Dean for Rural Health, Director of the Rural Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, and Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, recently presented at a workshop hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), in Washington, D.C. The meeting—Advancing Diagnostic Excellence in Rural Areas— focused on improving diagnostic practices in rural communities across the United States. Discussions explored strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, reduce health disparities, and improve patient outcomes. 

As part of a small Colorado delegation presenting at the workshop, Dr. Deutchman was accompanied by Meggan Grant-Nierman, DO—a family medicine physician from Salida, Colorado, who also teaches CU Anschutz Rural Program students—and Kevin Stansbury, MS, JD, FACHE—CEO of Lincoln Health in Hugo, Colorado—who served on the planning committee and also participated as panelists.  

Dr. Deutchman presented on Incorporating Point-of-Care Strategies to Improve Primary Care Diagnosis, highlighting the unique aspects of rural primary care that contribute to diagnostic excellence. Innovative tools—such as telehealth, teleradiology, and point-of-care ultrasound—can enhance care by promoting continuity, improving communication, and reducing fragmentation. Yet, these technologies work best when paired with the strong, personal relationships often found in rural settings. Dr. Deutchman emphasized that in rural communities, generalist physicians offer consistent, coordinated care—and no technology can replace the value of having local doctors who truly know their patients and their communities.  

The presentation is available to watch through NASEM’s website (Session three of five).