Undergraduates participate in Mississippi Rural Physicians and Dentists Scholarship Programs

Undergraduates participate in Mississippi Rural Physicians and Dentists Scholarship Programs

Two scholars from Alcorn State University were invited to take part in a program that aids students on their path to medical school.

E"Kerria Williams, a senior and Natchez, Mississippi native was selected to participate in the pre-matriculation portion of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program. Aaron Winters, a junior and Byram, Mississippi native was selected to participate in the undergraduate part of the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program.  

The Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, which was created in 2007, identifies college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural primary care physicians in our state. The program offers undergraduate academic enrichment and clinical experience in a rural setting. Upon completion of all medical school admissions requirements, the student can be admitted to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine or William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.   

The Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program, created in 2013, identifies up to seven college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural pediatric or general dentists in our state. The program offers two years of undergraduate academic enrichment including DAT (Dental Admission Test) preparation and clinical experience in a rural setting. Upon completion of all dental admissions requirements, the student can be admitted to the University of MS School of Dentistry. 

For Williams, shadowing experienced physicians was the highlight of her experience. Because of the knowledge she attained, she feels better equipped to pursue a medical profession.

"The program was exciting in that it exposed me to different doctors and their lines of work," said Williams. "It prepared me for what to expect once I officially enter the medical field."

Winters enjoyed being in the midst of other aspiring dentists who also pursued more skills from dental veterans.

"Being surrounded by like-minded individuals whose sole purpose is to acquire more knowledge was refreshing and exciting," said Winters. "I enjoyed being around my colleagues." 

The Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program provides a means for rural Mississippi students to earn a seat in medical school, receive mentoring during the medical school application process, earn a $120,000 medical school scholarship in return for four years of service and learn the art of healing from practicing rural physicians. The Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program provides a means for rural Mississippi students to receive DAT preparation, benefit from mentoring, learn the art of oral health care from practicing rural dentists, and earn a $140,000 dental school scholarship in return for four years of service.