The Virginia AHEC Scholars Program recruits, trains, and supports a diverse group of students from across the state, creating a multidisciplinary team of health professionals committed to both community service and the transformation of health care in the United States.
The AHEC Scholars Program is part of a national initiative to prepare tomorrow's providers to become leaders in inter-professional, transformative practice. This program will enhance your medical and professional education through didactic modules and community-based experiences and clinical activities.
The AHEC Scholars Program is for students graduating within two years, obtaining a health professions degree or certificate (nursing, dental hygiene, dental, medical, pharmacy, etc.).
Scholars are required to complete 80 total hours of didactic modules and clinical and/or community rotations each year, and are provided a myriad of opportunities, such as:
- priority selection on Loan Repayment and Scholarships in the state of Virginia
- Post-Graduation Job Connections and Recommendations
- a Virginia AHEC Scholars Certificate
- A stipend of $500 ($250 each year)
- mentorship from leaders within rural and underserved health
- paid student membership to the Virginia Rural Health Association
- and MORE!
Join our program to help us build an increased number of skilled and competent future healthcare providers, who are confident and prepared to practice in rural and underserved areas.
"I am currently in my clinical year as a physician assistant student. I am an educator, mentor, athletic trainer, and embrace the role of 'healer.' My passions are lifestyle medicine and helping patients improve their lives through nutrition, physical activity, positive habits and relationships, and mental and spiritual support.
AHEC has empowered me to seek out opportunities for serving underserved communities. I have met some amazing people through volunteering and networking. It is a supportive community of positive, like-minded individuals who wish to heal those in need. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be amongst the future of healthcare within the community and through my time working with AHEC."
"Be without fear in the face of your enemy. Stand upright that God may love thee. Help the healers and do no harm."
Desi Rotenburg is in his final year of Physician Assistant School at South University, and a 2nd year AHEC Scholar. We are proud to have him join us in accomplishing our AHEC mission of connecting communities to better health!
“AHEC as I understand it, seeks to serve students, patients, and clients who are perhaps forgotten, those who might need a different approach to their educational and health than traditional models allow. We are in unprecedented times, and the axiom of defining crazy...doing the same thing and expecting different results...is relevant now more than ever. As healthcare professionals, we simply cannot keep doing things as they have been done in the past.”
Katherine Keese, BA, OTD is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, and a leader in interprofessional care.
“I enjoyed the modules and I've found that it's really helped me understand a whole community approach in navigating public health concerns within the city of Richmond. I've been inspired to shift my way of thinking and I'm grateful for the education that the program provides.”
Alexandria Ashe, MPH is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, and an AHEC Scholar alumnus.
David Dent is a graduate of VCU's School of Pharmacy, and a n AHEC Scholar Alumnus. In his free time, he hosts a pharmaceuticals podcast called OveRXDose, where he sheds light on some of the realities of pharmacy work, and the importance of their role within underserved communities.
Visit our blog to learn more.
Maya Johnson
VCU School of Medicine
David Dent
VCU School of Pharmacy
Desi Rotenburg
South University, Physician Assistant
Alex Messner
South University, Physician Assistant
Sungmin Sohn
VCU Dentistry Class of 2021
Phone: 804.655.2576 Fax: 1.804.597.2277
Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Capital Area Health Education Center
101 Cowardin Avenue, Ste. 205, Richmond, VA, 23224, USA
Copyright © 2020 Capital AHEC (Richmond, VA)
All Rights Reserved.
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