A government program is using Ohio University to give a bonus to anyone - even non-OU students - who graduates to practice medicine in Southeast Ohio.
In an attempt to promote community service while offering a way to pay for higher education, the College of Osteopathic Medicine will award $500 to one student graduating with a medical degree who will work in one of 21 counties in Southeast Ohio.
It's a great way to promote community service throughout the region
said Richard Heck, a writer and editor for the OU-COM office of communication.
The award is given by the College of Osteopathic medicine, but is funded by the Consortium for Health Education in Appalachia Ohio, a congressionally-mandated program seeking to recruit, train and retain medical professionals in Appalachia, Heck said.
The organization has regional centers across the country, he added. It was created for areas like Appalachia, which have a shortage of medical professionals, according to the organization's website.
The award is meant to offer assistance and incentive to those who plan to work in Southeast Ohio. This includes anyone who has lived in, gone to school in and will work in one of the counties after graduation. OU and Shawnee State University are the only two public schools in the area offering four-year medical programs, but a number of other community colleges and private schools also may have eligible students.
The scholarship is a way for different people with different levels of schooling to continue their education Heck said.
Residents of Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington counties are eligible for the award. They do not have to graduate from OU, though the only College of Osteopathic Medicine in the state is located here, Heck said.
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited educational program in the healthcare field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, volunteered throughout the community and plan to practice healthcare in one of the 21 counties, according to the press release.
Applications are due to the College of Osteopathic Medicine by Feb. 28 and must include two letters of recommendation. The winner will be announced later this spring.
Last year's winner was Beth Shepherd, who graduated from Shawnee State University with a degree in physical therapy.
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Alex Westerh
