"There is no pediatrician in over half of Georgia's rural counties," Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean Sumner says.
"The presence of family therapists with additional training in autism will bring profound improvement in mental health to rural areas."
That's why Sumner and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have teamed up to create the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholars program, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
The program offers full-tuition scholarships for four years for medical students who pledge to serve children in rural Georgia after they've completed their education.
The first cohort of scholars, who will receive full tuition for up to four years, was announced last month; the second cohort will be announced in May.
The scholars will receive specialized training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facilities, including autism training for the Master of Family Therapy students.
"These scholars are filling a critical need in our rural communities," Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's chief medical officer says.
"The pediatric expertise they develop through their training will have a tremendous impact on the areas where they serve, and we are grateful for their commitment to the kids and families of Georgia."
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
Brittany Merrill Underwood, who took up a teaching position in rural Uganda, has made it her life’s mission to empower marginalized women to “transform the physical and spiritual livelihoods of their families and communities.”