Overview
The severe shortage of primary care health professionals is California’s next big drought. Nearly half of all Californians live in regions with insufficient primary medical, dental, and mental health services. We must ensure that the health care workforce is better prepared and committed to meeting the needs of our communities.
Community Health Partnership and the South Bay Area Health Education Center (AHEC) are recruiting for the next class of AHEC Scholars in Community Health. This program enables high-potential students in the health professions to explore primary care with an emphasis on community health and interdisciplinary practice in medically underserved communities. AHEC Scholars and their degree-granting institutions will be connected to a local AHEC Center and an expansive network of clinics and resources spanning San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Clinical Exposure & Impactful Mentorship
In conjunction with the student’s own health professional program, AHEC scholars will enhance their clinical training with knowledge and skills development in community health. Guided by selected mentors and preceptors from the community, scholars will receive team-based clinical training and learn how a clinical setting responds to the health needs of an underserved or rural community. Scholars gain strong connections to professional networks, health service organizations, and lifelong mentors.
Community-Oriented Academic Training
The California AHEC Curriculum for Scholars in Community Health is a direct response to the growing demand for clinicians capable of applying new models of care with underserved populations. The curriculum was designed in partnership with community leaders, vetted by clinical educators, and endorsed by state and professional agencies.
Curriculum modules present diverse learning opportunities that include webinars, case-based learning, self-guided research, interviews, direct skills development, and clinic and community exploration. These 11 modules, which are outlined below, provide scholars with a community health immersive learning experience:
- Clinical Skills
- Team-Based Care
- Quality Improvement
- Work-Life Balance
- Leadership & Advocacy
- Health Care Reform
- Medical Neighborhood
- Patient-Centered Medical Home
- Patient Engagement
- Community-Based Health Project
- Community Engagement
Scholars Program Overview
A two-year* longitudinal, interdisciplinary curriculum divided into three components: community-oriented education, clinical training and community-based hands-on activities that supplement students’ existing health training programs.
*One-year option is available for select students.
Contact and Application
For more information about the AHEC Scholars Program or to apply, please email:
AHEC Director: Jesse Tarango, MBA: jesse@chpscc.org