The role of vertically integrated learning in a rural longitudinal integrated clerkship.

VI in a rural LIC is not clearly understood, even by participants. VI structure and methodology varied considerably between practices. Benefits included satisfying and efficient sharing of knowledge between learners at different levels. VI was facilitated by the supportive and collegiate environment identified as being present in a rural LIC context. Resources for VI are needed to guide content and expectations across the continuum of medical training and evaluate its role. The financial impact of VI in a rural LIC warrants further exploration.