January 05, 2005
Genesis Health Group Offers Health Care Student Scholarships
Davenport, IA – Genesis Health System and the physicians of Genesis Health Group are responding to the forecast of a national shortage of health care workers by providing scholarships for high school seniors and college undergraduates who are planning careers in health care.
Genesis Health Group (GHG), an integrated group of Quad City-area physicians, unveiled the scholarship program in 2002. The concept of the scholarship program is to encourage local students to remain in the bi-state region and pursue the many career options available in the health care field.
As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be a steadily increasing need for skilled health care workers. The 65-year-old and older segment of Iowa’s population has been predicted to grow by 39 percent from 2000 to 2020.
“We always have to think of the future and future needs in health care,” said William M. Langley, M.D., Executive Medical 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.”
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 of $1,000 each will be awarded to local residents who are also planning to enter health care professions. Some of the eligible college programs include medical assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, physician assistants, radiology technicians and medical technicians. Residents of GHS’s 10-county service area are eligible for these scholarships. The scholarships can be used to help cover tuition and education expenses at an accredited technical, two-year or four-year college or university in Iowa or Illinois.
GHG includes nearly 90 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 from the Genesis Health System Web site at www.genesishealth.com. Application deadline for the Health Group Scholarship is April 5, 2005, and scholarships will be awarded in May 2005.
