COM Outlook Winter 2021

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 39 The conclusion of the 2019–2020 academic year saw familiar outcomes for many graduating health profes- sions students, such as final exams, conferred degrees, and the start of residencies. However, for more than 30 students enrolled in health professions programs throughout Florida, they will add the distinction of completing the two-year NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholars program to their list of honors. The national AHEC Scholars program began as a response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administra- tion (HRSA) wanting to prepare health professions students to become future leaders in health care systems after graduation. NSU’s AHEC, led by Steven Zucker, D.M.D., M.Ed., associate dean of community affairs and AHEC director; Gustavo A. Saldias, M.P.H., TTS, AHEC associate director; and Joseph Huerta, AHEC program manager, understood the importance of the program. They began the implementation process in 2017, with the goal of having the first cohort in fall 2018. Successful Ties While the AHEC Scholars program is hosted at NSU, part of the challenge was incorporating other colleges under its wing. Because the program is intended to be COMMUNITY IMPACT AHEC SCHOLARS ENHANCE THEIR HEALTH CARE FUTURE BY JOEY GARCIA, B.S.