Rural Community Health Scholars

You Are What Your Community Needs

Two-thirds of West Virginians live in rural communities, and 50 of West Virginia's 55 counties are considered to be in health professions shortage areas and/or are medically underserved.

You can make a difference.

You can be a Rural Community Health Scholar. 

Rural Community Health Scholars:

Rural Community Health Scholars is a program designed with one goal in mind: to enhance your ability to create change and reshape the status quo for health care in your community. 

Throughout this program, you will engage in clinical, didactic, and community-based activities in rural and underserved areas of WV to build your skill set and positively impact the lives of West Virginians. 

As a Scholar, you will:

  • Become a leader in your profession and community.
  • Receive supplemental training and education from experts in rural healthcare.
  • Develop an astute understanding of how to best implement health care services in rural or underserved areas.
  • Learn how to work as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Provide meaningful patient care in the field and gain hands-on experience.

Visit the Program Overview tab to learn more!

Benefits:

  • Receive a $1,300 participation award (awarded in two installments).
    • *Please note that this award may affect your financial aid package; please contact Program Manager if you have questions.
  • Obtain national recognition for program participation.
  • Engage in interprofessional and inter-institutional collaboration.
  • Enhance your education through immersive experiences in clinical and community-based settings.
  • Receive advanced didactic training through online learning modules.
  • Make a direct impact on rural and underserved communities in West Virginia.
  • Grow your passions in a supportive, community-based learning environment.
  • Build relationships with scholars in other disciplines, faculty, staff, and clinical preceptors. 
  • Cultivate your professional skill set in leadership, problem-solving, community health, and innovation.
  • Make professional connections in the communities in which you may practice post graduation.

Let's transform West Virginia, together. 

For more information, please click through the menu tabs on the right-hand side of this page.