Primary Care Training and Enhancement Grant

The WVU School of Medicine has been awarded a Primary Care Training and Enhancement (PCTE) grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to strengthen the preparation of current and future primary care providers. The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities has partnered with the WVU School of Medicine Department of Medical Education, Departments of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Family Medicine, as well as the WVU Center for Humanities, to lead and implement the activities of this grant.

This initiative supports the long-term goal of improving health outcomes across rural Appalachia by enhancing training for medical students, residents, and practicing primary care physicians.

Using a dual-focused approach on disability and language access, the project emphasizes culturally and linguistically appropriate care. Trainings address not only clinical management but also the environmental, social, and cultural factors that influence patient outcomes, preparing providers to deliver more holistic, patient-centered care.

To date, the team has conducted a full curricular review, established core competencies in disability and language service provision, and engaged over 70 stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience, to inform and validate this work. Identified gaps have led to targeted training initiatives and demonstration projects implemented across disciplines. Through these efforts, more than 200 learners have been trained, equipping them with the skills necessary to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care to diverse populations across West Virginia and beyond.