The first cohort of the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Programs has graduated.
The two-year program they completed was designed for college and university health care students to have real life experiences in a health care setting.
Enrollees in the program complete a didactic and practicum focused on the needs of the community and also learn from practicing providers — thus building a network of peers with similar interests and professions.
Enrollment in the Scholars Program is year-round, and there is no tuition fee.
“This is one of many valuable resources offered by AHEC to engage and motivate students to excel beyond their expectations,” remarked Julie Bazan, AHEC executive director and instructor for the Scholars Program.
The Scholars Program Class of 2020 graduates are María Fernanda Flores, Laredo College; Arthur Edward Jimenez, Texas A&M International University; Diana Macias, Laredo College; Guadalupe Medina, Laredo College; Vivyan Alexia Mendiola, Laredo College; Delilah Rodriguez, Laredo College; Melissa Santillan, Laredo College; Isaac Damien Solis, Texas A&M International University; Vanessa Vela, Texas A&M International University; and Angel Saul Vazquez, Laredo College.
A virtual graduation ceremony was held on May 21, at which students expressed their appreciation of the program through words such as “incredible,” “humbling,” and “unique.”
(The Area Health Education Center of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area is an outreach program under the UT Health San Antonio and is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life in the communities by increasing the number of well-trained health care workers; enhancing academic resources; and fostering a healthy lifestyle through community education programs. For additional information about AHEC and the menu of programs, visit https://www.facebook.com/AreaHealthEducationCenter or www.mrgbahec.org or call (956)712-0037.)
