This study examines whether opening new medical residency programs improves health outcomes. Comparing counties with and without new residency programs, the research found that mortality rates fall by 4.8% where programs are introduced. However, similar benefits were not observed in rural areas, highlighting the importance of healthcare infrastructure and training location.

Maternal undernutrition in rural Ethiopia remains highly prevalent at 38 percent. This thesis identifies key drivers including gender inequality, poor nutritional counseling, and cultural food taboos. Using human-centered design, a “couples forum” intervention was developed and validated, showing strong feasibility and cultural acceptability as a promising community-based solution.

My research examines how OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) role-play simulations help prepare nurse-practitioner students for real-world primary care. Interviews with recent graduates show role plays build confidence, teach communication and clinical routines, and improve readiness for complex cases. Following best-practice guidelines enhances learning. Expanding these simulations could strengthen primary care, especially in underserved rural areas.