Rural Medical Scholars
Health Careers in Mississippi
The Need:
- Last in the nation in the number of physicians per person (2008)
- A vacancy rate of over 8% for hospital-based registered nurses (2007)
- All or part of every county in the state designated as medically underserved by the federal government (2009)
Between 2006 and 2016 Mississippi’s health care work force is projected to grow by 24.2%
- 400 or more new Mississippi jobs are projected in each of the following fields:
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Physical Therapists
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Dental Hygienists
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Addressing the Need:
The Rural Medical Scholars Program is an opportunity for high school students between their junior and senior years to learn more about careers as Family Practice physicians. An intense, rigorous program, it provides significant insight into the academic requirements necessary to becoming a physician coupled with a real world look at the day-to-day practice of medicine and some of the issues relevant to the work and personal life of rural physicians.
The Scholars participate in a 5-week summer program at Mississippi State University. They take two pre-med courses (Biology and Pre Calculus), spend a few afternoons "shadowing" a physician in a hospital or clinical setting, tour a major medical facility, and attend a lecture series relevant to the interests of an aspiring physician. To help launch their college career, a study skills workshop kicks-off the program.
Program recruitment begins early in the year. Please see additional information linked below.
Have questions? Check out the FAQ's.
You may also view the brochure ( PDF) and the application.
