AHEC Scholars recognized as program celebrates its seventh year

On Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, the Watanakunakorn Auditorium was filled with excitement as family, friends and mentors gathered to celebrate the induction of the newest cohort into the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholars Program.

In a special ceremony, 61 undergraduate students received their "blue coats," symbolizing their commitment to health care, in a tradition that mirrors NEOMED’s white coat ceremonies. Additionally, 60 advancing second-year scholars were honored with a pinning ceremony, celebrating their dedication and leadership within the program.

The event opened with an insightful presentation on the role of community health workers (CHWs) on interprofessional teams. The discussion featured Joan Thoman, Ph.D., RN, CNS, associate professor, and Janterria Matthews, DNP, RN, clinical associate professor (both from Cleveland State University); and Tom Ortiz, CCHW, clinical research specialist at University Hospitals. Shaletha Mitchell, M.Ed., MCHES, CRI-AHEC director, moderated the panel. The speakers emphasized how collaboration between health care providers and CHWs can improve patient outcomes.

Each year, 15 undergraduate students are selected to join the AHEC Scholars Program, where they complete 80 hours of didactic learning and 80 hours of hands-on community training to develop leadership and teamwork skills in health care. Now in its seventh year, the program has supported over 300 students, with 34 continuing to NEOMED’s College of Medicine or College of Pharmacy. The scholars will reconvene in April 2025 for a completion ceremony, where they will receive a graduation stole, certificates of completion and other honors marking the culmination of their two-year journey.

Learn more about the AHEC Scholars Program.

This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of an award with a percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.” For more information, visit, HRSA.gov.