CareSource Indiana establishes CareSource Rural Health Endowed Scholarship at Marian University

Marian University has announced the establishment of the CareSource Rural Health Endowed Scholarship to help combat the issues and challenges that arise in rural communities when it comes to healthcare disparities. CareSource Indiana donated $250,000 to establish the scholarship, which will be awarded to medical students who are pursuing healthcare careers in osteopathic medicine in rural areas.

According to a news release on Marian University’s website, Amanda Wright, DO., who serves as the dean of the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, was quoted as describing what the partnership and resulting scholarship means, saying, “This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to addressing the critical health care needs in Indiana's rural communities. The generous $250,000 gift will not only provide financial support to deserving osteopathic medical students but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of rural medicine. This scholarship will empower and inspire our students to become dedicated health care professionals, serving in areas where the need is greatest.”

The scholarship, which will begin in the Fall 2024 semester, will be awarded to osteopathic medicine students who will be working in rural towns to help address the issues that rural communities face, including lack of medical care providers and having to travel long distances to receive care. 

Steve Smitherman, who is the president of CareSource Indiana, discussed the new scholarship, saying, “CareSource's partnership with Marian University marks a pivotal step in addressing rural health care challenges in Indiana. As a nonprofit managed care entity, we are committed to improving access to health care for all Hoosiers and proud to invest in the future of rural medicine. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on communities across the state.”

Cara Veale, DHS, FACHE, and the CEO of the Indiana Rural Health Association, had positive things to say about the partnership. She commented, "We at the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) are excited to see this new partnership develop. Collaboration that supports the enhancement of rural health care delivery is always a wonderful thing. Physicians eager to work in rural communities are critical to the health care infrastructure and we are so pleased to see the support from CareSource Indiana and Marian University.”

In another article on Marian University’s website, one student, Matt Turton, who is currently an osteopathic medicine student in his fourth year of study, described his experience providing medical care for a family in a rural community. He said, "Recently, I was the first medical professional that had spoken to one family, and while I was taking care of the mother who had a stroke, I realized I was helping the entire family since I ended up educating them about how hospital systems worked.” 

Turton went on to say, “As a future healthcare provider, it’s our duty to ensure that every Hoosier, regardless of their zip code, has access to quality healthcare.” He added, "The true beauty in medicine is when you create this person-to-person relationship, and in my opinion, the only way to create that is to imagine every single person as an extended part of your family." 

For more information about Marian University, visit the school’s website.