“I am interested in working with underserved populations mostly because I grew up in an underserved, rural community myself… I have always wanted to practice medicine, but I cannot ethically do so unless I am providing equal and adequate care to everyone. In my career, I hope to be the change that I have long waited to see for our society.” -Elizabeth S., HM AHEC Participant

“I was placed at St. Barnabas Hospital when I participated in the AHEC program. It was extremely eye-opening and a great opportunity that I cannot forget. I was able to gain knowledge on how the Gynecology/Obstetrics Ophthalmology, Pediatric and Nursing Station work and some of the procedures that take place in each of these departments. Likewise, the research project and Thursday seminars on different health topics helped me learn about so much more, such as HIV/AIDS, mental Health, Obesity, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, the list goes on and on.” -Jacqueline R., BW AHEC Summer Health Internship Program Participant

“My experience with AHEC helped to solidify my desire to practice medicine in my home community in Western, NY. Having the opportunity to work with physicians in this setting during training was influential in my ultimate decision to return here to practice medicine.”
-Dr. B. Morse, Family Medicine Physician

“I got involved with AHEC during my residency as a family medicine doctor working at the Teaching Health Center in Ellenville, New York. Had it not been for AHEC, I would not have had the opportunity to live and work in this community that desperately needs funding and medical providers.”
-Dr. K. Ursitti, CHAHEC Rotation Participant, and current physician at Ellenville Hospital

“M.A.S.H. Camp caused me to rethink my career path and think more about the health professions field. MedQuest further enforced my decision to become a physician. The two programs got me really excited about the health sciences.” -Ryan L., Central New York AHEC Participant

“This program has given me the most hands-on, learning experience I have ever received. I have completed internships within the hospital setting while attending Binghamton University and the experience was nothing compared to what I received while involved in the BQLI AHEC program. I am currently completing my clinical rotations and once again the experience is nothing as compared to BQLI AHEC. The advice, lesson plans, and hands-on skills that I was able to gain, helped me to advance in my classes. I am truly blessed and honored to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this program.”
-Avanna A., BQLI AHEC Summer Health Internship Program Participant

“As a participant in SHIP hosted by BWAHEC, I was exposed to the diverse cultures of NYC that utilize our healthcare system daily. Amongst other things, I was able to share the joys of new mothers when they are expecting a new life. This program gave me a chance to affirm my belief that I belonged in the health field. I was able to interact with professionals whilst also providing assistance to the ones who needed it most… With [my desire] to be more beneficial to our community, this experience led me to begin my journey of pursuing a Masters of Science in Nursing while currently working at The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.”
 -Abigail A., BW AHEC Summer Health Internship Program Participant

“I worked with many different specialists, and while I found many other things that I enjoyed, none of them offered the diversity of the experience I had during my family practice rotations.” -Dr. A. Smith., CH AHEC Rotation Participant, now a Attendiong Physician with the Institute of Family Health

“For me, Erie Niagara AHEC has been a second home, a blessing, and an opportunity for me to learn more and work with underserved populations which is something that I have always wanted to do. Working with AHEC gave me the motivation to want to go back to school and get my Master’s degree. I want to become a Health Educator or a director of a wellness center. My goal is to obtain my degree and, in the future, return to Ghana and build my own wellness center for the Ghanaian community. I want to teach and educate people on how to conduct workshops, promote and improve healthy lifestyles and teach people about health topics. Working for Erie Niagara AHEC and being involved in the CHAMP project made me realize this is my calling and that I love working with people and the community.”
-Shelia A., EN AHEC Participant

“Working with Catskill Hudson AHEC as part of my Community HealthCorps service assignment was an incredible learning opportunity. Prior to my service at CH AHEC, I was uncertain about my career path after AmeriCorps, but as I was assisting high school students with the Scrubs Club lessons, I was also learning about health career options and the possibilities for my future career. The combination of my background in education, the supportive team at CH AHEC, and my Scrubs Club experience helped me discover my passion for health education.” -Sheila D., CHAHEC Participant