Beginning The Journey To Rural Health-Care Careers

September 15, 2021

Thirteen students studying to become rural physicians or considering other health careers attended an orientation session August 17 hosted by The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences. The students are participating in the College’s Rural Medical Scholars and Rural Community Health Scholars programs.

The orientation at Moundville Archeological Park, just outside of Tuscaloosa, included an overview of both programs and expectations, a review of courses and schedules, as well as faculty and staff introductions.

The Rural Medical Scholars Program is for rural Alabama students who want to become physicians and practice in rural communities. The program includes a year of study, after students receive their undergraduate degree, and leads to a master’s degree in Rural Community Health and early admission to the UAB School of Medicine.

The Rural Community Health Scholars Program is for graduate students not enrolled in the Rural Medical Scholars Program but who are interested in health-care careers. Graduates of the program, who earn a master’s degree in Rural Community Health, have entered the fields of nursing, physical therapy, public health and health administration.