Indiana State University has awarded full-tuition waivers to eight Indiana students as part of their acceptance into the Rural Health Program, a program developed by Indiana State and the Indiana University School of Medicine to provide rural Indiana communities with better access to healthcare.
The Rural Health Program prepares students from rural Indiana to be primary care physicians in their hometowns or similar rural towns. As part of the program, students work with rural physicians, take part in summer internships at rural clinics, participate in a health seminar series, conduct research as undergraduates and gain patient experience.
To be admitted into the program, students must be Indiana residents from rural communities achieve a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete an interview and wish to become a physician in a rural Indiana community.
Indiana State welcomes the following Rural Health Scholars for fall 2010:
Caitlyn East, daughter of Sabrina Broeker and Michael Broeker of Huntingburg, is a senior at Southridge High School. In high school, she was class secretary for Student Council, president of Natural Helpers, recreational officer for German club and section leader for band. She also participated in National Honor Society, Key Club, youth group, praise band and leadership clinics.
Benjamin Hancock, son of Stanley and Janis Hancock of Nineveh, is a senior at Indian Creek High School. Hancock plans to become a physician. In high school, he was a member of the swim team, track and field team and Spanish club. He has been a lifeguard and a pharmacy technician.
Aric King, son of Christopher and Teresa King of Rockville, is a senior at Rockville Jr.-Sr. High School. He plans to become a pediatrician. In high school, he was involved with theater, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Interact Club, peer tutoring, track and field and chess club. He also attended the 2009 Molecular Medicine in Action seminar.
Megan Ramus, daughter of Charles and Darlene Ramus of Spencerville, is a senior at DeKalb High School. She plans to major in biology or health sciences to become a doctor of medicine. In high school, she participated in 4-H Horse and Pony Club, serving as secretary and vice president of the club and taking second place at the Indiana State Fair. She is the recipient of the Phyllis Schuler Achievement and Involvement Award. She was also involved in Spanish club, student council, National Honor Society, Leo Club and youth group. She helped organized a recycling program at her high school, and she volunteered at Dupont Hospital. She also worked as a certified nursing sssistant.
Ty Rosenbalm, son of Terry and Jenny Rosenbalm of Danville, Ind., is a senior at Cascade High School. He plans to open his own family practice. In high school, he served as treasurer of National Honor Society and captain of the golf team. He was also involved in Knowledge Masters, varsity choir and student council. He spent eight weeks volunteering in the respiratory therapy department of Hendricks Regional Health.
Jessica Stanfield, daughter of Curt and Lorrie Stanfield of Rosedale, is a senior at Riverton Parke High School. She plans to become a primary care physician. In high school, she interned with the Parke/Vermillion Community Health Center. She also attended the 2008 Molecular Medicine in Action seminar. She participated in National Honor Society, Spell Bowl, Academic Bowl, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council and Indiana State University's Summer Honors program. She served as class secretary, treasurer and vice president. She spent four years volunteering at Union Hospital.
Emery Steele, son of Clifford and Lisa Steele of Corydon, is a senior at Corydon Central High School. He plans to become a physician. In high school, he participated in track and field, scuba club, National Honor Society and Spirit Club. He served as student government president, French club vice president and church pianist. He volunteered at Stroke Camp, a weekend retreat for stroke survivors.
Jacob Weaver, son of Yvette Dean and Hallie Weaver of Bloomfield, is a senior at Bloomfield Jr.-Sr. High School. He plans to become a physician or a surgeon. In high school, he participated in track, tennis and baseball. He was a member of French club, art club, science club, chess club and Senior Action Team.
Contact: Holly Hobaugh, coordinator of academic services and pre-professional advisor, Indiana State University, 812-237-8633 or hhobaugh@isugw.indstate.edu
Writer: Lana Schrock, media relations assistant, Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3773 or lschrock1@indstate.edu