Future Docs & Dentists Get a Head Start!

Roll Tide! Twelve bright high schoolers from northern Alabama just wrapped up a jam-packed summer exploring careers in healthcare, thanks to some awesome programs at the College of Community Health Sciences. These students are getting a serious jump on their futures!

Pipeline to Rural Healthcare

These talented teens participated in the Rural Health Scholars Program, the Rural Dental Health Scholars Program, and the MOORE Scholars Program (Medical Opportunities and Outreach in Rural Education). All these programs are part of CCHS's Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, designed to bring more healthcare pros to underserved rural areas.

What They Did This Summer...

For five whole weeks, these future healthcare heroes lived the college life on the UA campus! They took real college courses (for credit!), shadowed doctors, and learned all about prepping for med school and other health programs. It's all about tackling the shortage of primary-care physicians in rural Alabama. This Pipeline is known nationwide for grabbing students from rural areas and guiding them towards healthcare careers back in their communities.

The Programs in a Nutshell

• Rural Health Scholars Program: Rising seniors get a taste of medicine, taking college courses, chatting with pros, and visiting clinics.

• Rural Dental Health Scholars Program: Budding dentists (rising seniors, too!) dive into community projects, seminars, and clinic visits.

• MOORE Scholars Program: High school seniors heading to college get a head start with courses, seminars, shadowing, and more clinic visits!

Shout-Out to the Scholars!

Rural Health Scholars: Lauren Barnett, Morgan County; Kendal Davis, Morgan County; Avery Hice, Cullman County; Andrew Hopper, Etowah County; Amari Long, Colbert County; Emily Lynn, Jackson County; Kendall Phillips, Jackson County; Marcy Strange, Etowah County; William Streetman, Marion County

Rural Dental Health Scholars: Hudson Hutcheson, Franklin County; Jackquelyn Zepeda, Blount County

MOORE Scholars: Omar Baltazar, DeKalb County

Kudos to all these amazing students! We can't wait to see what you accomplish!