With eight medical schools, well-established family medicine departments and 23 unique residency training programs, Ohio has a long tradition of outstanding medical education. While exploring the educational opportunities available here in the Buckeye State, you will discover that living in Ohio offers equally rich culture, history and recreation.

Just a short drive through Ohio can vastly alter your surroundings. You can travel between picturesque prairies and rolling Appalachian hills. With 72 state parks and several amusement parks, weekend adventures can be found in every corner of the state. The contrast between towering skyscrapers and distinctive skylines, and the peaceful tranquility of Amish countrysides and expansive farmland, makes Ohio the perfect blend of rural and urban settings.

The Northeast region of Ohio is distinguished by cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Mansfield, Warren, and Youngstown. You will find incomparable museums including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Butler Institute of American Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art. For those who are more adventurous, rock formations, sand dunes and glacial-carved ravines await exploration in the Northeast state parks. Visiting the Amish country provides a unique perspective on a fascinating culture. Professional sports enthusiasts will quickly become hometown fans of the Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers and Browns.

Southeast Ohio boasts the proud history of the Ohio River. With river towns like Marietta, Athens, Portsmouth and Gallipolis set among the hills, this area offers unending relaxation. Further north, Chillicothe is the site of the award-winning outdoor drama, Tecumseh. You will be fascinated by the historical Mound City National Monument, one of the largest Indian burial mound sites in the country. In Logan County, the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills, Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls is unmatched.

Central Ohio is marked by the capital city, Columbus. German Village, The Ohio State University, Wexner Center for the Arts, the Ohio and Palace Theaters, and the Columbus Zoo are just several of the many diverse cultural establishments that make Central Ohio a stimulating place to reside. For ski buffs, Bellefontaine has several areas for skiers of all levels of expertise. Those who enjoy geology and history will want to explore the underworld at either the Ohio or Zane Caverns.

In the Southwest, you will find that Cincinnati, Dayton and the surrounding cities are ideal places to live and work. Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati offers the most scenic city life available anywhere. Cincinnati is known for its unique blend of old and new architecture, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Krohn Conservatory and the Cincinnati Art Museum. You will also find the Bengals and Reds fiercely competing for championship honors. Kings Island, one of the largest amusement and water parks in the country, is located just 20 minutes north of the city. Dayton is famous for aerial pursuits and has one of the finest aviation museums in the country - the U.S. Air Force Museum.

The Northwest is contrasted by vast farmlands and the Lake Erie shoreline. The waterfront, known as "America's North Coast," can be enjoyed in dozens of cities including Toledo, Sandusky, Vermilion and Port Clinton. Kelleys Island, Put-In-Bay and many other islands offer resort-like atmosphere just a ferry crossing away. In Sandusky you will find Cedar Point, an amusement park that is home to some of the biggest coasters you will ever ride. Small town flavor flourishes in the Northwest and many Ohioans find the familiarity and history of small towns ideal.

Whatever your preference, big city or small town, rich farmlands or rolling hills, Ohio has something for everyone. Here you will find the highest quality of medical education available and appreciate the diverse offerings of every region of the state.

Additional resources that you may want to explore include:

• Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, where you will learn more about Ohio hot spots, festivals, great golf locations and more.
• The state of Ohio's Web site, http://www.state.oh.us/, also has a host of resources available to those who are considering relocating to the state.