National organization recognizes LION Mobile Clinic for advancing rural health
Penn State College of Medicine’s LION Mobile Clinic has been named one of Pennsylvania’s 2025 Community Stars by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), recognizing the clinic’s growing impact on expanding access to care across rural communities.
Launched just three years ago by Michael McShane, MD, EdM, and Mark Stephens, MD, MS, LION Mobile brings primary care and essential resources directly to communities through a model known as “tailgate medicine.” By setting up care where patients live and work, the clinic removes transportation and access barriers that disproportionately affect rural residents.
What began as a single unit has quickly grown into a fleet of five, extending the program’s reach and deepening its partnerships with underserved areas across Pennsylvania. Each site visit is supported by College of Medicine students and volunteer clinicians, who gain hands-on rural health experience while delivering meaningful care to those who need it most.
NOSORH’s Community Stars program highlights individuals and organizations making measurable differences in rural health through compassion, innovation and collaboration. Selected by State Offices of Rural Health and other rural advocates, each Community Star represents a unique story of leadership and community commitment.
The College of Medicine’s recognition reflects the clinic’s rapid growth and its commitment to building healthier, more connected communities throughout the Commonwealth while also preparing the next generation of rural health care providers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LION MOBILE CLINIC
WATCH: DR. MCSHANE TALKS RURAL HEALTH
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