Growing our own....one physician at a time.  Help welcome the second group of students chosen to receive the $30,000 Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship.  The rural scholars program identifies rural students who aspire to return to their rural communities to practice primary care. 

Pictured are the 2009 Undergraduates:
First row: Ursula Johns (Shelby), Luella Jones (Lorman), Dorlisa Hutton (Byram), Kristie Price (Como); Second row: Jenny Thomas (Batesville), Lauren Roach (Greenwood), Anna Tossy (Beaumont), Carolita Yoder (Kokomo); Third row: Kyle Cravens (Grenada), William Davis (Canton), Justin Smith (Scott); Back row: Ned Miller (West Point), Reed Abraham (Cleveland), Chad Dowell (Indianola).

MRPSP Update November 13, 2009
Last Thursday 13 of our 14 undergraduate MRPSP students traveled to Tunica to present their Community Needs Assessment posters to the annual meeting of the Mississippi Rural Health Association. Alcorn senior Luella Jones was unable to attend due to a death in her family. The professionally printed 3’ x 4’ posters reflected the student’s analysis of their hometown in terms of demographics, education, public safety, access to health care, cultural and social activities, housing, business and industry, environmental hazards, government and public safety. This diverse group of rural health care providers actively engaged the students while admiring the finished products. Observers cast their vote for the top posters with one adding this comment:

“All posters are great and I appreciate the work that went into each. These posters should be compiled and published (on paper and electronically) as they would be a great resource for health professionals looking to relocate or wanting to set up a practice. Next year, if done again, consider adding number of school nurses and dental hygienists working in the community. Thanks!”

In addition to receiving certificates of participation from MRHA president Joanie Perkins, MRPSP presented the 1st place award of $100 to DSU junior Kristie Price, 2nd place award of $50 to MSU senior Ned Miller and 3rd place to DSU senior Justin Smith. 

MSU Senior Ned Miller’s poster garnered the most compliments for artistic use of Powerpoint attributes.

Transporting, feeding and housing the students was costly--$4,150! Contributions of $685 from Noxubee Hospital and $500 from Mississippi Primary Health Care Association and the remaining MIGMH grant covered the cost. Also note the $1200 printing cost of the 14 posters was funded by MIGMH. Thanks to all!