South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center - AHEC

06/04/2026

Today, the Rural Health Scholars had the opportunity to visit a local hospice facility and learn from Steve Jantz (CEO), Dr. Michael Byrne (Medical Director), Scott Stivers (Director of Business Development), and Tim Colovos (Chaplain). Through meaningful conversations, we gained a deeper understanding of inpatient hospice care, the differences between hospice and hospital care, Medicare coverage, and the compassionate support provided to patients and families at the end of life. We are grateful for the opportunity to hear their perspectives, ask questions, and learn more about this important part of healthcare.

06/02/2026

Throughout the Rural Health Scholars program, the students hear from professionals representing different areas of healthcare, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on rural health in Kentucky. Two of the topics shared this week included learning about the impact of domestic violence and Barren River Area Safe Space from Tori Henninger and the role of SANEs in supporting survivors of sexual violence from Melissa Gilpin of Med Center Health. These presenters shared the impact of access to services in rural Kentucky. We are grateful for the knowledge and experiences they shared!

06/02/2026

Our 2026 Rural Health Scholars had an insightful afternoon learning about health policy and the legislative process with Representative Dr. Robert Duvall. They are thankful for the opportunity to explore how legislation shapes healthcare, especially in rural communities.

05/21/2026

Allie and Katie have had the opportunity to travel to San Diego this week to attend the National Rural Health Association conference.

They even ran into Brad Firchow (recent University of Kentucky College of Medicine Morehead Campus graduate) and Joey Howard (rising M1 at University of Louisville School of Medicine)!

Kentucky connections showing up all the way in San Diego! 👏🏼

05/15/2026

We recently wrapped another successful year of the Health Career Explorers program in partnership with Med Center Health

Over the past several months, local high school students participated in weekly sessions at The Medical Center at Bowling Green, gaining behind-the-scenes exposure to a wide range of healthcare careers. Participants explored both clinical and support roles, connected with professionals, and learned about diverse career pathways and educational journeys within the healthcare field.

The program was co-coordinated in collaboration with Med Center Health’s Workforce Development team, whose commitment to strengthening the local talent pipeline continues to create meaningful opportunities for students across the region. Appreciation is extended to the many departments and staff who contributed their time, shared their expertise, and supported student learning throughout the program.

04/30/2026

SCKY Area Health Education Center is now accepting applications for our next Center Director. This is a key leadership role focused on strengthening community health, supporting workforce development, and expanding educational opportunities across our region.

If you’re passionate about improving healthcare workforce and building strong community partnerships, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of health education in our area.

https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=187ECAA661376E60D160D9DF8358D56B?JOBID=199575

04/24/2026

Our KYCOM students at the 2026 Research Foundation Symposium today.

Thank you Western Kentucky Heart & Lung / Med Center Health Research Foundation for the invite!

04/24/2026

04/21/2026

South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is now accepting applications to participate in shadowing at TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital.

Participants spend eight weeks rotating hospital departments, shadowing a variety of healthcare providers. Students visit Greenview once a week and spend roughly three hours shadowing in each department. This is a hands-off shadowing experience.

To apply and learn more about program requirements, visit the AHEC website. This program is limited to 15 students.

Summer Cohort Timeline
May 1: Application closes at noon
May 11: Online Orientation
Late May 18 – July 10: Shadowing Rotations

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.wku.edu/scahec/greenviewshadowing.php