Ona, W.Va. — A Barboursville native is attending medical school
at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) without
the burden of tuition and fees thanks to a medical scholarship program
offered by The Health Plan (THP).
WVSOM second-year student Morgan Christian has been awarded The
Health Plan Scholarship, which covers tuition and fees for up to four
years, allowing Morgan to graduate medical school without worrying
about those costs.
“4-H taught me to use my head, heart, hands, and health to make a
difference—and that’s exactly what I hope to do as a doctor,” Christian
sad. “I’m so grateful for the mentors who’ve guided me along the way,
and I want every student in West Virginia to know that with hard work
and big dreams, anything is possible.”
Since 2009, The Health Plan has provided more than $3 million in full
scholarships to more than 50 medical and nursing students who attend
West Virginia institutions and intend to practice healthcare in West
Virginia. Christian is one of four students awarded a full medical
scholarship this year.
“Morgan’s commitment to service instilled in her by her involvement in
4-H really impressed our scholarship selection team,” said Jeff Knight,
President and CEO of The Health Plan. “We also appreciate Morgan’s
interest in practicing family medicine – a specialty very much needed
in our rural communities.”
Knight was joined by Don Smith, Associated Vice President Associate
Vice President at WVSOM, Morgan’s family, faculty members at Cabell
Huntington High School and other local leaders to announce the
award.
Smith thanked Knight and The Health Plan for offering the scholarship
program at WVSOM, which educates an average of 800 medical
students each year. According to a report by the West Virginia Higher
Education Policy Commission, the school is No. 1 in producing both
primary care physicians who practice in West Virginia and who practice
in rural areas of the state.
“With this program, The Health Plan is directly impacting the physician
shortage in West Virginia. Medical school is not inexpensive. This
scholarship, by financially assisting recipients who want to stay in West
Virginia, benefits not only our students but the state,” Smith said.
About The Health Plan
The Health Plan is a West Virginia-based nonprofit health maintenance organization that manages and improves the health and well-being of its members. Established in 1979, The Health Plan offers a complete line of managed care products and services designed to provide health care systems and clients with innovative health care benefits and plans at a reasonable cost. Visit THP at healthplan.org.
