ARI-AHEC Scholar Testimonials

Victor Akinditan, Biomedical Science/Pre-Med

I would tell students who are in the premedical pathway that the AHEC Scholars program is the program that will provide you with the volunteer and learning opportunities that can shape your view of medicine. Through this program you will develop the experiences and lessons that will make you the applicants that medical schools are looking for.

Shaye DeLeonardis, Exercise Science/Pre-PT

The AHEC Scholars Program is a great opportunity to become a well-rounded health care worker.  This experience has opened my eyes to how important every member of the healthcare team truly is. It’s also important to gather all the facts beforehand and come up with a solid game plan before taking any information to the patient(s). I am able to see more clearly the problems in the system and learned skills on how to hopefully change and improve the system.

Megan Deluga, Speech Language Pathology & Audiology

This is a very unique experience that you will not get from any of your classes. Along with getting to work with the community, you will also learn how your major will work with other professionals in the real world.

This experience has affected me in many ways in that I have even more respect for other professions and I have a larger drive to look into policies that are affecting our healthcare. I believe that I view our healthcare differently than when I first started the program and I have more of a drive and passion to start working as a health care worker.

Rachel Hahn, Speech Language Pathology & Audiology

AHEC is a program for future health care professionals to blossom into competent and compassionate workers. Students will gain knowledge and experiences that can only be gained through the AHEC program; no class or textbook can replicate the interprofessional interactions, in person experiences, and life long connections made through this program.

Through this program I have grown as a health care professional and as a person. The practice of interacting with people in the community with a variety of professions I would otherwise be naive to is priceless. I have turned from a book savvy shy student to a potential health care professional of tomorrow.

Elexis Hamby, Nutrition & Dietetics

This program is different than many programs that may be offered to you as a UA student. It gives you practical experience in an informal setting and allows you to explore and build upon your intercultural and interpersonal skills. It grants you a tremendous advantage over others by providing you a deeper more profound ability to successfully understand and address the social determinants of health (SDOH) that affect our patient and client's health outcomes. Not only will it expand your network and aid in your personal and professional growth, but it will also make you a stand-out clinician/provider who is capable of advocating for those you will serve. This program offers many enriching opportunities and experiences and it is by far one of the best decisions I have made as a UA College of Health Professions student.

Noah King, Biomedical Sciences/Pre-Med

AHEC is a great learning experience through hands on experience and didactics. You get to meet great people who can help prepare you for your future career.  I am more aware of social determinants of health and how policy can impact a health result.  It has shown me the importance of teamwork and collaboration between healthcare professionals.

Michelle Michael, Exercise Science/Pre-PT

I encourage students to apply to the AHEC Scholars program because it offers irreplaceable opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and hands on experience that you won't find anywhere else on this campus or in the community at an undergraduate level. The didactic learning sessions build on each major's academic courses, expanding our health science knowledge base. Collaborating with students and professionals from other areas of study allows us to gain insight into how expansive the field of health science is and how important our cooperation is for patient care. All in all, the AHEC Scholars program is a priceless feature at The University of Akron that gives students fun opportunities to practice being a professional while still in school, making us more marketable than other classmates upon entering the workforce.

Ruchi Patel, Nutrition & Dietetics

The program has taught me concepts that are not taught by most classes. I have learned how important it is to know your clientele and to be an advocate for their optimal health. Being an AHEC Scholar teaches you the barriers patients go through beyond the Doctor's Office.  Being aware of your patient's living and financial conditions can really shape the treatment you offer. In order to provide effective intervention, it is essential to realize if they have access or can afford it. This experience has taught me to think beyond the medical treatments we are taught in our classes.

Ayman Saleh, Biomedical Science/Pre-Med

This program is complementary to your education. It takes what you've learned and encourages you to use it in real life situations.  It made me more diplomatic, and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.  It made me more considerate, and will help me try to understand my patients better, and allowed me to look for the roots of the problems, and have a holistic view on the life of the patient.

Da'Vae Starks, Nursing

If you are hesitant about wanting to help the community and learn more about healthcare professionals, AHEC is the perfect opportunity for you. It gives you a chance to work in the field and get more hands on experience for your major.   I get to see how other Interdisciplinary teams in the hospital work and not just from a nursing standpoint.  

This experience will definitely make me utilize all the resources we were taught and being able to consult different healthcare professionals with referrals and being able to potentially have ideas and more knowledge on what I can do to better help my patients as a nurse. Also understanding the power of knowledge and how it all affects the competency of your patients.