Nine students studying to become physicians and practice in rural Alabama communities were recognized April 24 at a convocation for the Rural Medical Scholars Program.
The program, now in its 26th year, is operated by The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.
The Rural Medical Scholars Program is exclusively for rural Alabama students and includes a year of study, after students receive their undergraduate degree, that leads to a master’s degree in Rural Community Health and early admission to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.
Rural Medical Scholars spend the first two years of medical school at the main Heersink School of Medicine campus in Birmingham and then return to CCHS for their final two years of clinical education. The nine Rural Medical Scholars recognized at the convocation begin medical school this summer.
“We look forward to their journey through medical school and as future leaders in the industry,” Dr. Carolyn Boxmeyer, CCHS associate dean for Academic Affairs, said in welcoming remarks.
The Rural Medical Scholars Program is the culmination of a pipeline of CCHS programs that supports rural Alabama high school and college students interested in pursuing health care professions.
The pipeline also includes the Rural Community Health Scholars Program for Alabama college graduates interested in health professions. Rural Community Health Scholars complete the year of studies with the Rural Medical Scholars and receive a master’s degree in Rural Community Health. Many enter nursing, physician assistant and other allied health programs and professions.
Dr. Drake Lavender, director of Rural Programs and a graduate of the first Rural Medical Scholars class, congratulated the current class and acknowledged faculty members, including Dr. John Avery, who sent over several of these students over the past year.
Convocation keynote speaker, Dr. Rick Jotani, founding partner of Pell City Internal and Family Medicine and medical director for Comfort Care Hospice in Pell City, spoke to the class about his journey to becoming a physician.
“I was born in Mumbai, India, and immigrated at (age) 8. Here in America, land of opportunity, education is the great equalizer and way to success,” he shared. “Today I stand before you as an experienced physician who is proud to call Alabama home. As I look at each of you, I congratulate you.”
During the convocation, the Rural Medical Scholars Program Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Larry Skelton for his “outstanding commitment to rural health care.” Skelton received his undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama and earned his medical degree in 1978 from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, now the Heersink School of Medicine. He has practiced in Moundville, Ala., since 1980. He is board certified in family medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Crystal Skinner, a resident physician in The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, which CCHS operates, shared that Skelton taught her what it meant to be a family medicine physician.
“He was in the room when I was born. He bought me Disney VHS tapes every Christmas,” Skinner said. “He diagnosed me with seizures in the 7th grade. He attended my wedding, and saw me graduate from the same medical school he attended.”
2021-22 Rural Medical Scholars:
- Colton Clayton of Locust Fork
- Phillip Hensley of Verbena
- Belle LouAllen of Moulton
- Emma McKinley of Sheffield
- John Moon of Centre
- Blaine Newman of Helena
- Venu Reddy of Lanett
- Timberly Washington of Demopolis
- Tameron Williams of Pell City
2021-22 Rural Community Health Scholars:
- Cayla Gilliand of Cottondale
- Ben Schwartz of Moundville