What is AHEC Scholars?
AHEC Scholars is a national initiative proposed by the Health Resources and Services Administration, within the Bureau of Health Workforce of Department of Health and Human Services, to equip an inter-professional workforce to practice community-based primary care in rural and underserved areas across the United States.
The goal is to prepare a primary care workforce for Arkansas that is diverse and culturally competent, equitably distributed statewide, and capable of delivering high quality health care in evolving systems.
AHEC Scholars will enhance skills and competence in eight core topics:
- Inter-professional Education (IPE)
- Behavioral Health Integration
- Social Determinants of Health
- Cultural Competence
- Practice Transformation/Quality Improvement
- Current and Emerging Issues
- Connecting Communities and Supporting Health
- Virtual Learning and Telehealth
AHEC Scholars at UAMS integrates and enhances existing core components of the UAMS curriculum and IPE requirements with new community-based primary care options. This program is designed to build on current education and experiences, to include clinical and practical applications. Students will learn together while providing care and improving skills with vulnerable and underserved patients in settings such as UAMS Regional Centers and community clinics such as the 12th Street Clinic.
Requirements
- Meet with a UAMS recruiter/AHEC Scholars advisor
- Total of 160 hours of Didactic/Experiential Training
Benefits
- $1,000 sign-up award for the first 120 enrolled applicants
- Increase marketability with this nationally recognized program
- Recognition with a pin and certificate
- Connect with Regional Campuses faculty and rural health care leaders
- Funding for primary care conferences
- CV/Personal Statement editing
- Recommendation letters