Health Scholars Program
The Health Scholars Program, sponsored by Marshfield Clinic, is creating the next generation of health care leaders by training students in relevant clinical experiences, pivotal community service opportunities, and significant professional development at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Marshfield Clinic Partnership
Marshfield Clinic and UW-Stevens Point entered a partnership that will advance the development of the health care workforce by providing new education and training opportunities for students.
Program Events
Eligibility
The Health Scholars Program is highly selective, admitting 10 students each spring semester. Students with a high level of academic performance, demonstrated commitment to rural community needs and a strong interest in health care–are encouraged to apply. Equally important in the selection process is evidence of the applicant’s work ethic, resiliency and empathy.
Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and/or University Honors Student
- Student must have at least 2 years of undergraduate degree work remaining to participate in the program
- Full-time and part-time student status are acceptable
- Pursuing a major in one of the following:
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Family and Consumer Sciences-Child Life Specialist
- Food and Nutrition
- Health Sciences and Wellness
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Nursing (including Pre-Nursing)
- Pre-Professional (Pre-AT, Pre-Med Pre-OT, Pre-PA, Pre-PT)
- Social Work
How to Apply
Identify application desire on the UWSP Scholarship Portal. Students interested in the program are asked to complete the application and identify one UWSP faculty/staff reference.
For students to take full advantage of the opportunities in the program, upon selection into the program the scholar will undergo Marshfield Clinic onboarding requirements (TB testing, vaccinations, drug testing, background checks, and necessary health care training (HIPPA). The heightened research opportunities in the second year may require additional system training and requirements.
Year #1
Year #1 in the program will be in collaboration with the Marshfield Clinic Community Connections Team. The Community Connections Team aims to keep patients well beyond the walls of a health care facility. Students will work with patients to connect them to resources according to their needs. While assisting patients in this unique realm, scholars will also engage with mentors in training and discussions in social determinants of health along with developing a greater understanding of health care inequities.
Year #2
Students will be able to continue to grow with the Community Connections Team beyond the first year of the program and possibly expand into other programs the team offers to the community (free clinics, public health initiatives, etc.). Year #2 of the program will focus on the development of career-specific skills and research opportunities. In this year, scholars will develop insight and direct mentor relationships with professionals in the School of Health Sciences and Wellness and conduct research and present that research at various symposiums and/or conferences. This direct research experience will allow students to gain perspective and understanding of rural health care needs and what research is currently being explored to address these needs.
Throughout this program, students will receive career-specific advising support and assistance with preparation and pursuits of advanced graduate, professional, or continued education opportunities. To facilitate this opportunity students will register for a special section of HS 399: Special Topics in Health Care (1 credit) each semester in the program.
Meet the Scholars and Alumni
UWSP Health Scholars DirectoryConnect with us
Tiff Akins
- Assistant Professor – Physical Therapy
- Director – Health Scholars Program