AHEC Scholars

The NAO AHEC Scholars Program is a nationwide initiative led by the National Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Organization. It is designed for healthcare students who are committed to improving access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved or rural communities. This program provides interdisciplinary learning opportunities, hands-on clinical experiences, and exposure to issues affecting healthcare delivery and population health.

The NAO AHEC Scholars Program is more than a learning experience; it’s a pathway to creating a more equitable and effective healthcare system while empowering students to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Purpose and Vision

The NAO AHEC Scholars Program is grounded in the mission of the National AHEC Organization, which seeks to enhance healthcare access and quality in underserved areas. By addressing the healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in rural and urban underserved communities, the program prepares students to:

Meet the needs of diverse patient populations.
Understand and address the root causes of health disparities.
Embrace interprofessional collaboration as a key to effective healthcare delivery.

This aligns with national health priorities, including workforce development and reducing gaps in access to care.

Key features of the NAO
AHEC Scholars Program

Interdisciplinary Approach:
- Encourages collaboration among students from diverse healthcare fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and public health.
Curriculum Focus:
- Combines classroom learning with community-based activities.
- Topics often include:
  - Social determinants of health.
  - Behavioral and mental health.
  - Cultural competency.
  - Interprofessional education.
  - Practice transformation.
  - Current and emerging health issues.
Hands-On Clinical Training:
- Participants engage in experiential learning in rural or underserved areas, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.
Community Engagement:
- Builds strong connections with local communities, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive care and addressing health disparities.
Two-Year Commitment:
- The program typically spans two years, with participants completing a combination of didactic and experiential training, totaling approximately 40 hours per year.

Eligibility

Open to students in health professions programs such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, or allied health.

Must demonstrate an interest in working in underserved or rural communities.

Benefits for Participants

Enhanced Skills: Gain expertise in areas critical to improving community health.

Networking, Mentorship & Volunteer Opportunities: Connect with healthcare professionals, peers, and mentors.

Resume Building: Strengthen applications for residencies or careers with a focus on public health.

Community Impact: Contribute to addressing health inequities and improving patient outcomes.

Program Goals

Prepare future healthcare providers to work in team-based environments.

Equip participants with the knowledge to address the unique challenges of underserved populations.

Foster a workforce dedicated to reducing health disparities and improving healthcare access.

Core Competencies Developed

The program's structure is built to provide a robust educational and experiential framework.

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Emphasizes collaboration between various healthcare professions to deliver patient-centered care.

Cultural Competence

Builds understanding and skills to work effectively with diverse populations.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Helps participants address economic, environmental, and social factors that influence health outcomes.

Practice Transformation

Prepares participants to adapt to innovations like patient-centered medical homes and value-based care.

Health Equity

Focuses on reducing disparities and promoting equitable healthcare access.

Didactic Component

Delivered through workshops, online modules, webinars, and seminars.

Topics reflect real-world challenges and trends in healthcare, such as:

Telehealth: Integrating technology to expand care in rural areas.
Cultural Humility: Navigating the complexities of providing culturally appropriate care.
Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing and responding to the impacts of trauma on health