News Farmers Federation Supports Rural Medicine Scholars

Farmers Federation Supports Rural Medicine Scholars

Farmers Federation Supports Rural Medicine Scholars
September 3, 2020 |

Marlee Moore
(334) 613-4219

The Alabama Farmers Federation invested in the future of rural health professionals by providing $500 scholarships this fall to 13 students in the Auburn University and UAB School of Medicine Rural Medicine Program (RMP).

RMP students are from small towns in Alabama and complete a pre-matriculation year at Auburn to prepare for medical school.

Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan said he was proud for the state’s largest farm organization to support these students. 

“It’s an honor to financially support students who are committed to improving the physical well-being of rural Alabamians,” Pinyan said. “Many of our members have rural roots, and we consider this a worthwhile investment in their lives.”

RMP Director Dr. David Bramm thanked the Federation for its support over the past 15 years. 

“Help in offsetting the costs of this pre-matriculation year is very meaningful and demonstrates Alfa’s commitment to helping rural students become rural primary care physicians,” Bramm said.

Amy Garcia of Jemison affirmed Bramm’s remarks. Garcia is an RMP scholar who completed her undergraduate degree at UAB.

“Being a student comes with a large set of responsibilities and worries. This gift goes a long way in easing the latter,” Garcia said. “The Federation’s support is greatly appreciated.”

Students who received scholarships this year include:

  • Nikki Ahuja, Clanton
  • Caleb Bush, Eufaula
  • Chloe Carroll, Guntersville
  • Jay Foster, Moulton
  • Daniel Frank, Elberta
  • Kaysie Freer, Ohatchee
  • Amy Garcia, Jemison
  • Spencer Gibbs, Ranburne
  • Cortney Haymon, Rainsville
  • Hunter Johnson, Lowndesboro
  • Cara Parker, Sand Rock
  • Ellie Pitchford, Scottsboro
  • Laura Catherine Wright Cresswell, Arab

Forty RMP students currently practice medicine. Communities with RMP doctors include Alexander City, Atmore, Cullman, Daphne, Fort Payne, Guntersville, Hamilton, Lineville, Reform and Sheffield.

The scholarships are funded through the Federation’s Alfa Health program. Alfa Health is a full-service health insurance provider of Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. To learn more, visit alfainsurance.com/insurance/health or call 1 (800) 392-5705.

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