GoodRx Helps Congratulates Its 2023 Scholarship Recipients
Studies have shown that patients who see a healthcare professional of the same race or ethnicity as them may have increased treatment adherence, better communication during treatment, and higher satisfaction. That’s why GoodRx Helps is honored to continue creating a more inclusive environment for all patients through its scholarship programs.
In 2023, GoodRx Helps received more than 550 applications across three scholarships. These applications showcased students’ healthcare achievements and aspirations. After a rigorous selection process, we chose 30 students to receive $5,000 each. This will go toward their tuition and other education expenses.
Some of the winners’ most compelling insights and ideas on current healthcare trends are highlighted below.
GoodRx Helps Equity in Pharmacy Scholarship
The Equity in Pharmacy Scholarship supports students from underrepresented backgrounds who have innovative ideas to advance pharmaceutical healthcare.
Applicants were asked what skills will be crucial to the success of telehealth and virtual healthcare with diverse communities. Efficient communication emerged as the most important skill that would be needed to reach these communities through telehealth. Applicants also said that pharmacists would need to adapt and learn new technology to foster positive healthcare experiences for patients.
Tamara Bozaric, from Oregon State University’s College of Pharmacy, said that effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are essential for pharmacists to help patients virtually. She believes that pharmacists “must strive to build meaningful relationships with patients remotely” so that patients can feel heard and supported.
Other winners, such as Javier Pinedo Ureno from the University of Southern California Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, mentioned that pharmacists must identify and reduce barriers to medication, such as insurance coverage issues or medication shortages. He also said that pharmacists need to “remain up to date with the latest research and guidelines” so they have a strong foundation in clinical knowledge.
In addition, Nancy Guillaume from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine hopes that by strengthening communication, healthcare professionals can “establish rapport, understand patients' concerns, and provide comprehensive medication counseling.” This can help diverse patients receive equitable and culturally competent care.
Scholarship winners are listed below.
GoodRx Helps Nurses for Change Scholarship
The Nurses for Change scholarship helps diverse nursing students who demonstrate a willingness to create positive change in the field.
Applicants detailed how they would integrate culturally competent care into their nursing role and explain its benefits to patients. Their key solutions were continuous education on areas such as new studies, new medications, and medical practices and ongoing efforts to address and minimize language barriers.
As a first-generation student of color, scholarship recipient Matthew Harry, BSN, from the University of New Hampshire, understands “the importance of engaging in meaningful cross-cultural experiences.” He is proud of his heritage, values, and beliefs and hopes to use this self-awareness to recognize biases and assumptions influencing patient interactions.
Similarly, Elizabeth Ayebagi, ASN, from Central Lake College, believes that continuing self-education is crucial to developing care that is culturally competent and in the patient’s native language.
Like Elizabeth, Delilah Garcia, APRN, a student of the University of California, Los Angeles, notes that as a bilingual nurse, she is often “the sole communicator for Spanish-speaking patients.” Her bicultural experience “reinforced the significance of culturally competent care and the urgent need to bridge the current gaps” in healthcare.
Scholarship winners are listed below.
GoodRx Helps Future Black Physicians and Physician Associates Scholarship
This scholarship supports incoming Black physician and physician associate students. It asked applicants to describe how the rise of digital technologies could impact the healthcare industry, and how they plan to incorporate these technologies into their future medical practice.
Recipient Caroline Henry, PA, from the University of Southern California, provides health services to economically disadvantaged women and children. She hopes to develop an app that would connect families to important social services. By leveraging technology in this way, Caroline believes that she can “address the broader determinants of health and promote holistic well-being.”
Meanwhile, Kristen Williams, MD, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, sees technology, specifically wearable devices, as a way to “empower patients to be well informed of the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Similarly, Isaiah Selkridge, MD, from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine, mentioned that digital tools can help diverse populations and provide increased healthcare accessibility. “Digital health tools will have a greater impact on the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with comorbidities,” he says.
He hopes this can be a “long-term solution for prevention and self-care.”
Scholarship winners are listed below.
GoodRx Helps congratulates all of its scholarship recipients and hopes that this financial aid can help educate and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals working with underserved communities.
For information about 2024’s scholarship program, visit GoodRx Helps.
