Physician Diversity Scholars Program
Encouraging diversity through enriching experiences
In collaboration with The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, OhioHealth Physician Diversity Scholars is a unique mentoring program for underrepresented in medicine medical students.
Our mission is to create a physician community that reflects the rich diversity of those we serve.
From mentor experiences to community service to professional enrichment, this program ensures that its scholars gain exceptional knowledge that comes only from hands-on learning. Upon completion of the program, scholars will be prepared to make an impact on the diversity of central Ohio’s healthcare industry.
The program director, Nanette Lacuesta, MD, MS, is passionate to be part of this innovative collaboration between OhioHealth and our medical school partners and is excited to see each scholar succeed in the program.
Applications accepted from September 1 - November 1.
Program Objectives
The Physician Diversity Scholars Program aims to prepare scholars for medical practice by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to advance in their medical profession.
- Enhance the quality of healthcare and better access for minority populations within central Ohio.
- Increase retainment of diverse physicians in central Ohio communities.
- Increase physician diversity across the OhioHealth system.
- Increased volumes of diverse physicians in primary care specialties serving central Ohio communities.
- Maximize placement of scholars within OhioHealth residency and fellowship programs.
- Continue engagement with scholars as future mentors and advocates for the program.
Scholar benefits
In addition to relationship building, group activities and clinical rotations, scholars will have access to:
- Intentional pairing with an OhioHealth/affiliated attending physician who is committed to volunteering their talent and free time to build into the lives of scholars.
- Access to professional development sessions in important topics not frequently covered in medical school such as:
- Study skills
- Learning styles
- Uncovering hidden curriculum of the clinical years
- Difficult conversations
- Financial advising
- Assistance applying for residency
- Interviewing for residency
- Scholars will receive a $500 professional enrichment stipend for each academic year.
- Scholars accepted in OhioHealth residencies are eligible for a $10,000 per year loan repayment.
- Opportunities for Central Ohio community outreach and service.
- Priority scheduling for OhioHealth rotation experiences.
- Access to additional financial support for scholarly activity pursuits.
- Discounts to academic services for test taking.
- Access to OhioHealth Business Resource Group and Diversity Council programming.
- URM medical student community beyond intramural offerings.
Scholar Experiences
As a Physician Diversity Scholar, students will have the ability to cultivate valuable, lifelong relationships with their mentor and other OhioHealth physicians. The mentor-scholar relationship will evolve to fit the scholar’s maturation in the program, from planned gatherings and one-on-one engagements to clinical rotations within OhioHealth hospitals.
- Cultivation of mentor relationship with the scholar’s assigned attending physician.
- Engagement with diverse communities in various healthcare settings.
- Participation in service opportunities and professional organization activities.
- Clinical rotation opportunities at OhioHealth GME programs and care sites.
- Experience in practice management and business planning.
- Exposure to and understanding of the OhioHealth system.
Scholar Expectations
- Contact mentor on a regular basis.
- Participate in a minimum of one PDS service project per year.
- Attend professional development sessions and the Spring Induction Dinner.
- Correspond with the director and administrator in a timely manner.
- Submit academic standing report every six months.
- Complete an annual program evaluation.