Graduate loan repayment program launched at University Council meeting
Posted: January 6, 2012[cincopa AgHAVx6hHft3]
ATSU officially launched a graduate loan repayment program at its University Council meeting Jan. 5 at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, Ariz.
An Arizona-based group comprised of local leaders in business, healthcare, government, and education, the University Council provides resources to help ATSU realize its vision and mission.
Douglas Wood, D.O., Ph.D., senior vice president for academic affairs, launched the program that will attract funds from individuals, businesses, and foundations to partially offset student loan debt for ATSU graduates who choose to work in underserved areas.
“We seek your help in removing a huge barrier that currently prevents graduates from serving needy populations,” said Dr. Wood while addressing University Council members.
On average, an ATSU medical school graduate incurs $200,000 in student loan debt while graduates in other disciplines face mounting student loan debt that prevents them from choosing to work in underserved areas.
Dental graduate, Elizabeth Magallanes, D.M.D., ’09, described how a $50,000 grant from the United Health Foundation (UHF) allowed her to work in an underserved area in California.
“The loan repayment program is a clear investment in public health, and without it many graduates in health professions would not be able to serve in underserved areas,” said Dr. Magallanes. Dr. Magallanes was among the first recipients of the graduate loan repayment program.
Earlier in the meeting, academic leaders gave status reports of achievements and wish lists seeking greater engagement from University Council members.
“We want your help in increasing the profile of our University, introducing us to individuals and entities that have a similar mission, and helping us engage in strategic partnerships,” said Barbara Maxwell, PT, D.P.T., dean, Arizona School of Health Sciences.
ATSU-SOMA Interim Dean Thomas McWilliams, D.O., sought help from University Council members to address a shortfall in opportunities for residencies for medical graduates.
Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H., dean, ATSU-ASDOH, asked community leaders to invest in the Center for Advanced Oral Health Education. Once completed, the Center will become the state’s only facility that will have the capacity to provide advanced oral care for medically complex patients.