COM hosts 2018 Medical Encounters program
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted the annual Medical Encounters event on Jan. 8 for the undergraduate student scholars participating in the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP). A total of 24 students from across the state participated in the event, which provided hands-on learning experiences and presentations from various medical professionals. William Carey University hosts this event in hopes that it can help increase the number of physicians in rural communities.
Students toured the WCUCOM including the cadaver lab, participated in clinical rotations and a simulation experience, and learned how to prepare for the MCAT and how to apply for medical school. Students also participated in a procedure workshop and attended a lecture on Osteopathic Principles and Practices. The scholars will participate in a similar experience at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
“Whenever you can provide information to prepare people for a career in medicine it kind of opens their eyes to things they didn't know previously. Especially here today, getting to see a little bit of what it is like to be a medical student in general, I think it excites the students, and I think we will increase the number of physicians in Mississippi,” said Dr. Tanisha Hayes Denning, assistant professor of clinical and biomedical sciences, during an interview with local television station, Fox 23.
According to the MRPSP’s website, students can apply for the program as undergraduates or as admitted medical students. Once accepted into the program, students receive mentoring from faculty and physicians plus solid medical school financial support through the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program. The learning and financial opportunities offered by MRPSP enable capable young Mississippians to address the challenge of Mississippi's health care crisis. Students involved in the rural scholar’s program are expected to maintain a high level of awareness and involvement in Mississippi's rural health care, both during and after the program.
MRPSP’s website says, “Channeling scholars into five primary care specialties (Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Medical Pediatrics or General Internal Medicine) will target the current rural physician shortage. MRPSP is good news for small town medicine.”
Written by Abbey JohnsonCarey Scholar/Media Relations OfficeView
Fox 23's coverage of the event.