Fifteen college undergraduates from nine colleges were selected in May to receive rural physician mentoring, academic enrichment on rural health care topics, MCAT preparation and consideration for Direct Admission to medical school upon completion of an accredited baccalaureate degree program.
2009 MRPSP undergraduates hail from 9 public and private universities around the state. Lauren Roach of Greenwood and Luella Jones of Lorman are seniors at Alcorn University and Ursula Johns of Shelby attends Mississippi Valley State University. Representing Delta State are Reed Abraham of Cleveland, Justin Smith of Scott and Kristie Price of Como. Ole Miss students include Chad Dowell of Indianola and William Davis of Canton. Mississippi State bulldogs are Kyle Cravens of Grenada and Ned Miller of West Point. Crystal Wright of Natchez will complete her studies at William Carey University as will Carolita Yoder of Kokomo next spring at Mississippi College. Jennie Thomas of Batesville and Anna Tossy of Beaumont will begin their junior year at Southern Miss. Dorlisa Hutton of Jackson is completing her prerequisites for admission to medical school at Jackson State University.
Current research indicates physicians with rural roots are far more likely than urbanites to practice medicine in a small town as it is a life style choice to raise their families in a church and community centered environment. MRPSP is way for Mississippi to “grow our own” primary care physicians.
Inaugural Undergraduate Class 2009-2010
Hometowns Shelby Lorman Byram Como Batesville Greenwood Beaumont Kokomo Grenada Canton Scott West Point Cleveland Indianola
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First row: Ursula Johns, Luella Jones, Dorlisa Hutton, Kristie Price Second row: Jenny Thomas, Lauren Roach, Anna Tossy, Carolita Yoder Third row: Kyle Cravens, William Davis, Justin Smith Back row: Ned Miller, Reed Abraham, Chad Dowell |
Benefits
- Academic experiences involving rural health care issues, epidemiological case studies, medical terminology and orientation to clinical medicine
- Kaplan on-line MCAT preparation
- Rural practicing physicians mentoring
- Two day bi-annual Medical Encounters experience at UMMC
- Rural clinical experiences and community health care assessment studies relevant to the student's hometown area
- Consideration for Direct Admission to UMMC's School of Medicine
- Preferred candidate for $30,000 per year medical school scholarship
- Membership in the Mississippi Rural Health Association
Medical Encounters June 2-3, 2009
June 2009 marked the first bi-annual two day Medical Encounters. Fourteen college students from small towns across the state converged on the UMMC campus for instruction by Dr. Diane Beebe, UMMC Family Medicine Chairman, on how to do a community needs assessment of their home town followed by how they will create a professional roll-up poster using PowerPoint ® for presentation this fall at the Mississippi Rural Health Association Annual Conference.
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A three hour OB/GYN experience introduced these future medical students to the first of the five primary care specialties.
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Each scholar earned certification in CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and Heimlich Maneuver.
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Ursula Johns and Carolita Yoder leave Labor and Delivery after witnessing a live birth.
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Ned Miller demonstrates his compression technique. |
An introduction to clinical medicine session gave hands on instruction on the proper use of the stethoscope and otoscope. |
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Carolita Yoder listens to Kristie Price's heart as Luella Jones examines the ear of her ticklish patient, Lauren Roach.
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Following a quick review of the circulatory system, students learn to measure the systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. |
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Justin Smith, left, practices his new skill on Kyle Cravens as William Davis, far right, prepares to take Chad Dowell's blood pressure.
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| Skills are quickly mastered as Reed Abraham demonstrates on his patient, Anna Tossy. | More than just learning, Medical Encounters was fun as Justin Smith's grin reflects. |
Undergraduate Requirements
- Applicants must complete the sophomore year in college and acquire college grades (Advanced Placement credit unacceptable) for the following pre-requisite course work (semester credit hours):
8 credits Biology (with lab)
8 credits Freshman/General Chemistry (with lab)
8 credits of either Physics or Organic Chemistry (both with lab)
6 credits college math (usually 3 credits each of Algebra and Trigonometry;
(however, 3 credits of Calculus satisfies the math requirement)
- Additionally, applicants must:
- Present academic credentials and standardized test taking skills indicative of a successful applicant to medical school.
- Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) = 3.0 for a minimum of 60 credits
- ACT composite score = 21 or SAT verbal plus math score = 990
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math (BCPM) GPA = 3.0 for a minimum 30 credits
(27 credits if math requirement satisfied by 3 credits of Calculus)
- Be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi
- Plan to complete an internship/residency program in a primary care specialty: Family Medicine, Med-Peds, Pediatrics, general Internal Medicine, or OB/GYN.
- Evidence that an applicant is likely to practice in a rural or medically under served community in Mississippi based on residence in such an area plus experiences (exposure to the medical profession, volunteer/community service and leadership) in rural or medically under served areas
- A strong work ethic, determination to succeed, ability to overcome setbacks and age-appropriate professional behavior (as defined by the American Board of Internal Medicine) based on faculty evaluation letters, personal recommendation letters
and personal circumstances (employment during school, family responsibilities)
- Intent to participate in all academic enrichment programs offered by the MRPSP by signing the Integrity Agreement
Integrity Clause
As a member of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, I aspire to earn my place in the medical community of Mississippi. I accept responsibility for my conduct and expect the highest standards of myself. I understand and pledge my commitment to fulfilling the requirements of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program. I recognize it is an honor and a privilege to be the recipient of the State's financial investment in me. I pledge to uphold my agreement to practice primary care in rural Mississippi.