For Taylor Sharman, the AHEC Scholars Program has been a defining part of her journey — from her early experience with Alaska AHEC during her medical assisting training at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to her graduate studies in the Physician Assistant Program at OHSU.
“This is my second time as an AHEC Scholar, and I can confidently say that AHEC has opened doors that have shaped my career and changed my life,” she said.
Recently, Oregon AHEC provided a stipend through the Dr. John Saultz AHEC Scholars endowment fund to support Taylor’s return to Alaska for a clinical rotation at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks. Read our Q&A with Taylor to learn more about her experience and why she recommends the AHEC Scholars Program.
Q: What interested you in becoming an AHEC scholar?
- This is my second time as an AHEC scholar, and I can confidently say that AHEC has opened doors that have shaped my career and changed my life. In 2020, I joined Alaska AHEC during my medical assisting training at University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Through that experience, I had the opportunity to rotate at Camai Community Health Center in Naknek where I ended up working seasonally for four years. I fell in love with the community and with rural medicine.
- Years later when I was ready to apply for PA school, I learned that OHSU was also associated with AHEC! It was a big selling point for me, and a no-brainer to apply to the AHEC program again.
Q: What has surprised you most about providing care in a rural metropolis like Fairbanks, Alaska?
- How nice the clinic is!! Chief Andrew Issaac in Fairbanks is one of the nicest facilities I have ever worked in, in any state. It is adorned in traditional art and the architecture is dramatic, warm, and inspired by Alaska Native design. The clinic was recently expanded and remodeled in 2022. They also have an outpatient surgery center, eye clinic, and dental clinic on site.
- I was also surprised at how many patients travel for care from surrounding villages, from Nenana to Anaktuvuk to Northway. Fairbanks is a regional hub for a large area of the interior. I loved being a part of the “village medical traffic” meetings where providers meet virtually with community health aides to help guide patient care in the more remote communities.
- Lastly, I was surprised at how high quality the care is. TCC at Chiefs hosts a broad team of providers from NPs to PAs to internal medicine physicians, pediatricians, even an OBGYN and midwives. All of them are smart, caring, and experienced.
Q: How has this rotation changed the way you think about practicing in rural or underserved communities?
- You really can have both - a small town feel and access to healthcare resources. That’s the dream, well it’s my dream.
I think it is really special to work and live in a place where your skills are really needed and valued. - Are you sick and tired of sitting in traffic? Alaska is the place for you.
Q: How did being an AHEC Scholar make this rotation possible, and what would you say to students who are considering the program?
- Being an AHEC scholar boosted my chances of being selected for this special rotation in Fairbanks. The PA program gives preference to folks committed to rural and underserved populations and to those with ties to Alaska. AHEC also awarded a small stipend to help offset the costs associated with the experience which makes a big difference when money is tight during graduate school.
- To students considering the AHEC program, I would say it does add some time and extra commitment to your schedule. During the didactic year you complete 40 extra hours of training in rural health care competencies. During the clinical year you complete 40 extra hours of experiential learning in a rural or underserved environment. I found it worth it for my values and interests, but I would encourage you to pick only one extra club, group, or leadership position on top of required PA school responsibilities. You’ll be plenty busy!