Orion Initiative

Orion Initiative Pediatric EMS training. Physician recruitment and retention. Training in specialty fields.

The Orion Initiative improves health in rural communities by investing in the transformative power of partnership between frontline rural providers and the academic medical community. In partnership with the Orion Initiative, frontline rural providers and academic physicians are rolling up their sleeves to strengthen the rural health care workforce and support clinicians in rural communities. They

all align with our mission to build bridges between rural providers and academic medical communities to move the needle on increased access to high-quality health care in rural communities. The Orion Initiative is a program within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Rural providers participating in the Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Rheumatology (STARS-R) grant program are expandin...
06/24/2026

Rural providers participating in the Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Rheumatology (STARS-R) grant program are expanding access to specialty care close to home for patients across Wisconsin.

One participating rural physician shared that their “ability to treat patients is light years ahead of what it was last year.”

The STARS-R grant program is continuing to grow. Learn how your rural hospital can apply for funding and bring rheumatology training opportunities to your community: https://www.orioninitiative.org/2026/01/05/new-rheumatology-training-opportunity/

This summer update highlights new and ongoing opportunities across the Orion Initiative, including grant program updates...
06/17/2026

This summer update highlights new and ongoing opportunities across the Orion Initiative, including grant program updates, along with recent stories and partner highlights.

From expanded training opportunities to new collaborations and recent events, this edition shares how our partnerships are continuing to strengthen health care access across Wisconsin.

Explore what’s new and stay connected as Orion continues to grow: https://www.orioninitiative.org/2026/06/17/orion-update-summer-2026/

Maddy Vantassel, CHES®, is the project and engagement officer for the Orion Initiative. She brings experience in rural h...
06/15/2026

Maddy Vantassel, CHES®, is the project and engagement officer for the Orion Initiative. She brings experience in rural health, community outreach and program development, and supports rural health partners by coordinating engagement efforts and advancing health access across Wisconsin.

Previously, Maddy worked with GROW La Crosse and rural public libraries on initiatives promoting health equity and community wellbeing.

Learn more about the Orion team: https://www.orioninitiative.org/about-us/our-team/

This week, we join the academic medicine community in recognizing Academic Medicine Week.Academic medicine plays a criti...
06/12/2026

This week, we join the academic medicine community in recognizing Academic Medicine Week.

Academic medicine plays a critical role in training the next generation of health care professionals, advancing research and strengthening patient care. Through partnerships between rural providers and academic medicine, we are expanding access to high-quality health care and support a stronger workforce for Wisconsin.

We're grateful for the academic partners who help advance Orion's mission to improve rural health care across the state.

We are excited to partner with Southwest Health in Platteville through the Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Dermatology...
06/10/2026

We are excited to partner with Southwest Health in Platteville through the Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Dermatology (STARS-D) grant program.

Southwest Health is a rural hospital serving patients across Grant County and southwest Wisconsin. Through STARS-D, rural primary care providers are receiving training and support to expand their dermatology skills and provide more care locally.

By helping providers assess and manage dermatologic conditions closer to home, STARS-D will help reduce long travel times and wait periods for specialty appointments while improving access to timely, high-quality care in rural communities. Learn more: https://www.orioninitiative.org/our-work/specialty-training-at-rural-sites-dermatology/

The Orion Initiative’s Retain-PCP program is now open to more rural physicians interested in leading a community health ...
06/08/2026

The Orion Initiative’s Retain-PCP program is now open to more rural physicians interested in leading a community health project.

Receive protected time to explore and lead a community project while continuing your clinical practice.

✔ Simple application
✔ Time to build community connections
✔ Flexible timelines to plan for reduced clinical time
✔ No established partnerships required to apply

Applications are open now!

Learn more: https://www.orioninitiative.org/2026/03/09/physician-retention-grant-opportunity/

06/04/2026

One year ago today, the Orion Initiative celebrated its official launch.

Over the past year, Orion has brought together rural health care providers, academic partners and community leaders to advance solutions that strengthen health care access across Wisconsin’s rural communities.

Orion focuses on building meaningful partnerships, supporting rural clinicians and laying the groundwork for innovative strategies that address workforce challenges and improve access to care locally.

This milestone reflects the collective efforts of partners across the state who share a commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality health care.

We remain focused on expanding collaboration, deepening impact and continuing to create opportunities that support the health of rural Wisconsin.

The Orion Initiative was proud to share its work at the National Rural Health Association’s 49th Annual Rural Health Con...
06/02/2026

The Orion Initiative was proud to share its work at the National Rural Health Association’s 49th Annual Rural Health Conference.

Dr. Nicole Bonk presented the poster Beyond the Ivory Tower: Expanding Rural Specialty Expertise, highlighting Orion’s innovative approach to connecting academic specialists with rural health care providers to address gaps in specialty access and support provider well-being.

The poster reflects the collaborative work of University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and rural partners working together to expand specialty expertise and strengthen access to high-quality rural health care.

Poster authors:
Nicole Bonk, MD, MMM
Justin Levinson, MD, MBA
Daniel D. Bennett, MD
Manish N. Shah, MD, MPH
Amy J.H. Kind, MD, PhD
Christie Bartels, MD, MS

Earlier this month, Dr. Christie Bartels shared strategies for overcoming rural health barriers during her presentation,...
05/27/2026

Earlier this month, Dr. Christie Bartels shared strategies for overcoming rural health barriers during her presentation, “Overcoming Wisconsin’s Rural Health Barriers,” at the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality’s Health Disparities Assembly.

Her session explored opportunities to improve access to health care, address disparities affecting rural communities and advance practical strategies to strengthen care across Wisconsin, work that reflects the Orion Initiative’s commitment to expanding access through partnership and innovation.

Address

750 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI
53705

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Orion Initiative posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Orion Initiative:

Shortcuts

Share

Category