The 2024-2025 AHEC Scholars Programmatic Year has begun! Sixteen new Scholars joined our team of motivated health professions students ready to improve patient experiences and outcomes. Throughout the year, our Scholars will exercise interprofessional collaboration, behavioral health integration, and cultural competency to become well-rounded healthcare providers who navigate the cultural, social, and financial barriers to care.
The AHEC Scholars Program is a two-year externship that connects health professions students to individuals in medically underserved and rural areas. Students from physician assistant, dental, occupational therapy, pharmacy, public health, nutrition, social work, and nursing programs will work together to enhance patient health and well-being. Their collaboration with local health centers will expose them to diverse health needs and encourage them to cater their healthcare applications to best fit those needs. By recognizing the social determinants of health and implementing health literacy, effective communication, and quality improvement strategies in their future practice, Scholars will combat stigmas and disparities that prevent patients from receiving unbiased care.
Our Scholars are eager to get out into the Buffalo and Niagara communities, provide high-quality patient-centered care, connect individuals with valuable resources, and learn more about their healthcare needs. We are excited to see them flourish in their academic programs and advance equitable health measures in Western New York.
If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated Scholars, please navigate to the “Pathways” tab on our website.
