They may have come to the University of Nebraska Medical Center from different University of Nebraska campuses but all of the graduates have something in common: each has a passion for caring for medically underserved communities.
That bond, along with their academic talent, contributed to their selection as recipients of the Nebraska University Pre-Admission to Health Science (NU-PATHS) program.
It is a collaborative program between UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha to identify students interested in health care or research careers who have demonstrated a special interest in practicing in medically underserved urban areas.
The students receive full tuition scholarship and supportive programs at their undergraduate campus and — upon timely and satisfactory completion of their undergraduate prerequisites — guaranteed admission to the program at UNMC for which they were selected.
"I’m so grateful for this program which allows me to graduate as a qualified professional from a health care institution without the huge burden of undergraduate and medical school debt," said Olamide Alabi, M.D., a graduate from UNMC’s College of Medicine. "It means I can follow my passion and care for patients in underserved communities as opposed to concentrating on my financial status post-graduation."
This year, UNMC will graduate nine students from various health programs – the largest class since the program began.
“Many of these students began participating in summer research programs at UNMC during their early undergraduate school years. So, we have known them for a long time. It has been a joy to see them develop academically and celebrate their continued commitment to community outreach in Nebraska,” said Mary McNamee, Ph.D., UNMC assistant vice chancellor in the Office of Student Equity and Multi-cultural Affairs.
Dr. McNamee said studies indicate that students from diverse backgrounds enhance the health care educational learning environment and are more likely to serve patients from their communities. Communities with health care providers who understand a patient’s culture and circumstances not only benefit patients but also improve access to care and reduce health disparities.
Listed below is the student’s hometown, name of each student and college.
Grand Island – Mirla Coronado, College of Nursing; and Jose Guerrero, Pharm. D., College of Pharmacy.
Lincoln – Chantal Afuh, M.D., College of Medicine; Olamide Alabi, M.D., College of Medicine; Phuong Dao, D.D.S., College of Dentistry; and Stephan Peterman, D.D.S., College of Dentistry.
Omaha – Rachel Dickey, M.D., College of Medicine; and Alexandrea Romano, Pharm.D, College of Pharmacy.
Kenya – Christine Ngaruiya, M.D., College of Medicine.
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.