A cooperative experience in rural health education for medical students.

A cooperative venture in medical student education between a rural school of medicine and the county Cooperative Extension service was undertaken. First-year medical students were introduced to health hazards associated with farming via lecture and slide presentations. They then visited farm and agribusiness sites to identify potential work health risks, using a written checklist. Observation sites were identified by Cooperative Extension agents, who accompanied the student groups and a clinical faculty member on each visit. This experience is described, and practical suggestions are offered regarding implementation of a farm visit program for students.