Fifth Class of Rural Medical Scholars Recognized at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ­ Ten participants in this year’s Rural Medical Scholars program at The University of Alabama were recently recognized for their completion of the prestigious program.

This year’s class, the program’s fifth, includes the 10 students who hail from rural areas statewide and were chosen for the highly selective, collaborative pre-med and medical school program between The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences and the University of Alabama School of Medicine ­ based in Birmingham. Acceptance into the program is also based highly on academic achievement, character, and leadership qualities.

This year’s class includes: Mandi Allen of Rosalie, Emily Barnes of Excel, Ty Blackwell of Jasper, Dale Brown of Pleasant Grove, Callie Cason of Hybart, Tara Goodson of Andalusia, Kelli Harris-Tapley of Wetumpka, Jon Roden of Albertville, Candice Terry of Moulton and Daniel Jones of Ariton.

The candidates have been enrolled at UA this past year prior to entry into medical school. They have taken a course each semester related to rural health or the practice of primary care in rural areas and participate in special seminars, community service projects, and field trips that enrich their knowledge of what a career in rural medicine entails. Rural Medical Scholars maintain peer support group activities and receive continued administrative contact and support throughout medical training.

This year’s class will begin study at the School of Medicine this summer and will eventually return to the UA campus for clinical training, which emphasizes primary care and rural medical practice.

The College of Community Health Sciences at the University includes a clinical branch campus of the UA School of Medicine, centrally located in Birmingham. The College emphasizes family practice and other primary care disciplines, as well as providing education for third and fourth-year medical students. The College of Community Health Sciences was developed in 1971 in response to the need of accessible primary health care. Through research and service, as well as education of residents, medical students and allied health professionals, the College has been successful in filling this need. Since its inception, more than 50 percent of its 269 residency graduates have entered into practice within Alabama.

Contact

Lance Skelly, (205) 348-3782