Orion Initiative

Behind every Specialty Training at Rural Sites (STARS) training session is a partnership between rural providers and UW academic specialists.

UW Dermatology faculty member Dr. Jeanette Comstock is working alongside physicians at Lafayette Hospital + Clinics through the STARS-Dermatology program, bringing specialty expertise and collaborative learning opportunities to this rural health care team.

STARS-D grant funds support these collaborations to expand rural provider dermatology skills and allow patients to receive care locally.

Learn more about STARS-D: https://www.orioninitiative.org/our-work/specialty-training-at-rural-sites-dermatology/

The Orion Initiative's long-form video recently received Gold distinctions from both the Viddy Awards and the Healthcare Advertising Awards.

We're proud to see the stories of Wisconsin's rural providers and academic medical community recognized on a national and international level. Thank you to the partners who shared their experiences.

This recognition reflects the people, partnerships and innovation driving rural health care forward across Wisconsin.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTVhxyfk8Ek

This July, during UV Awareness Month, we're proud to recognize our partnership with Southwest Health through the Orion Initiative's Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Dermatology (STARS-D) program.

STARS-D equips rural primary care providers with additional training and support to assess and manage skin conditions, helping more patients receive specialty-informed care close to home.

Learn more about STARS-D: https://www.orioninitiative.org/our-work/specialty-training-at-rural-sites-dermatology/

Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Rheumatology (STARS-R) is expanding!

Grant funds are available to rural hospitals across Wisconsin to help primary care providers strengthen their ability to diagnose and manage rheumatologic conditions locally.

Through training and close collaboration with UW rheumatologists, rural providers build skills and confidence needed to care for more patients closer to home.

Learn how your rural hospital can apply for the STARS-R grant opportunity: https://www.orioninitiative.org/2026/01/05/new-rheumatology-training-opportunity/

On World Skin Health Day, we are proud to highlight our partnership with Lafayette Hospital + Clinics through the Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Dermatology (STARS-D) program.

Through STARS-D, rural primary care providers receive training and support to expand their dermatology skills, helping more patients access care closer to home.

By strengthening local capacity to assess and manage skin conditions, STARS-D will help reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialty-informed care and support healthier rural communities across Wisconsin.

Learn more about STARS-D: https://www.orioninitiative.org/our-work/specialty-training-at-rural-sites-dermatology/

When a pediatric emergency happens in a rural community, there is no time to second-guess.

Through the Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Pediatric Prehospital Care (STARS-PPC) program, rural EMS teams are building confidence and skills through hands-on training with life-like pediatric robotic manikins.

One provider reflected on a recent call, sharing that an initial moment of concern quickly shifted into confidence as the situation was managed using their training. The call was successfully resolved and reinforced the value of preparation and practice for high-stakes pediatric emergencies.

STARS-PPC helps ensure rural EMS teams are ready when it matters most, improving care for children close to home.

Learn more: https://www.orioninitiative.org/our-work/specialty-training-at-rural-sites-pediatric-prehospital-care/

Rural health care grows stronger when physicians have the support and space to make a difference in their communities.

Through the Orion Initiative’s Recruit-PCP program, Dr. Rayan Lungba joined Emplify Health by Gundersen Friendship after a seven-year primary care vacancy. Today, she is helping strengthen preventive care by developing dementia screening practices and resources for patients across the Adams-Friendship community.

Learn more about how Recruit-PCP is supporting rural hospitals and physicians: https://www.orioninitiative.org/2026/06/17/emplify-health-by-gundersen-friendship-builds-momentum-with-dr-rayan-lungba/