November 21, 2002
Genesis Health Group Develops Scholarship Program
In a time when our nation is growing older, the need for quality health care professionals is at an all time high. Industry experts say it’s a need that will not be met if Generations X and Y don’t overcome their misconceptions that health care is a chaotic, unstable, low-tech and stressful occupation.
Genesis Health System (GHS), through its affiliates and divisions, is implementing several long-term and short-term tactics to help alleviate the impact the nationwide health care worker shortage is having on the Quad Cities. The newest, a scholarship program developed by Genesis Health Group (GHG) physicians, targets high school seniors and college undergraduates who are seeking health care degrees.
GHG, an integrated group of Quad City-area physicians, unveiled the new scholarship program November 11, 2002 at its office in Bettendorf. The practitioners have donated five scholarships totaling $6,000 to encourage local students to remain in the bi-state region and pursue careers as physicians, nurses, medical assistants, radiology technicians and other health professionals.
The scholarship program was developed in the face of information recently released by the Bureau of Health Professions. The report shows health care jobs must grow to more than 14 million in the next eight years in order to meet increased demand. In 2000, there were 10.9 million health care workers in the United States, but the profession is forecasted to be one of the fastest growing in the country.
“There are simply not enough graduates to fill many of the health care vacancies,” said William M. Langley, M.D., Medical Executive Director for Genesis Health Group. “My colleagues and I hope this scholarship program will help encourage students to pursue medical careers and continue our efforts of providing compassionate and quality health care to all those in need in our community.”
Since the announcement of Genesis Health Group Scholarship Program, Genesis Health Services Foundation of Genesis Medical Center has matched funding for the program, increasing the total number of awards from 5 to 10. The Genesis Health Group Scholarship program is now providing $12,000 to local students pursuing health careers.The scholarship program has two categories. The first is for college undergraduates, from the Quad City area, who are planning to attend an accredited medical school in Iowa or Illinois. These students are eligible for one of four $1,500 scholarships. “The financial burden of rising tuition costs can discourage young people from pursuing their medical degree,” adds Dr. Langley. “This program may help ease some of the financial burden for undergraduates in pre-med or biology-based preparatory programs.”
The six remaining scholarships, worth $1,000 each, will be awarded to local high school seniors who are also planning to enter health care professions. Some of the eligible college programs include professions that would normally be seen in a physician clinic, including but not limited to medical assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, radiology technicians, medical technicians and dietitians. Graduating seniors in GHS’s 10 county service area may apply for this scholarship. It covers tuition and education expenses at an accredited technical, two-year or four-year college or university in Iowa or Illinois.
GHG includes 89 practitioners conveniently located in more than 30 offices in seven counties in the bi-state area. Many of the practitioners have served the Quad City region for more than 20 years. “We are fortunate to have a long legacy of physicians who not only care for their patients --- but also care for the health and welfare of our community,” said Leo Bressanelli, President and CEO of Genesis Health System. “The fact that the physicians of Genesis Health Group are willing to invest in the future of the Quad Cities’ health care workforce is further testament to their commitment... and readiness to share the fruits of their successes.”
Other scholarship opportunities and initiatives underway within GHS, through its affiliate hospitals and divisions include: the Genesis Health Services Foundation Gala Scholarship, the mentoring program for Scott County high school students; the financial support for the initiation of St. Ambrose University’s nursing program, the development of a career ladder program and increased involvement of nurses’ participation in decision-making.
Questions and application requests for the Genesis Health Group Scholarship or the Genesis Foundation Gala Scholarship can be directed to Genesis Health Services Foundation at 563-421-6865. Scholarship information and forms can also be downloaded below. Application deadline for the Health Group Scholarship is March 1, 2003, and scholarships will be awarded in April 2003.
GHG Scholarship Fact Sheet
Eligibility Requirements
Professional Referrals
Application - Pre Med Degree
Application - Health Related Degree
