STORY

Igniting a Passion for Care – When is a Doctor More Than a Doctor?

March 15, 2017

See how United Health Foundation is nurturing the 21st century health workforce through its Diverse Scholars Initiative.


To help improve the effectiveness of the U.S. health care system in meeting the complex needs of an increasingly diverse population, a diverse health workforce is required. Sufficient resources are necessary, as well as policies aimed at attracting, training, equipping and effectively deploying primary care providers and other high-demand health care professionals. To address this need, United Health Foundation is investing in a 21st century health workforce through the Diverse Scholars Initiative. 

“Cultural competency is very important; it lends to the credibility and trust of a provider,” said Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, president and CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association. “Patients are interested in having someone they can open up to, and United Health Foundation has a vision to help have more primary care providers in our underserved communities.”

Since the program was launched in 2007, United Health Foundation has provided more than $16 million in assistance and funded nearly 2,069 scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to demonstrating financial need, scholars must be pursuing a degree that will lead to a career as a primary care health professional and must indicate a commitment to working in underserved communities and community health centers.