MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Mona Meky, a first-year student in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, has been named a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholar.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for one of our first-year students, Ms. Meky,” David Felton, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the School of Dentistry, said. “This competitive scholarship will provide full funding for her time at WVU. She is very fortunate to receive this, and we are proud of her for doing so.”
Scholars are chosen through a highly competitive application process. To be eligible, students must pursue a degree in an NHSC-eligible discipline, which includes medicine (M.D. or D.O.), dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife or physician assistant. After graduation and training, scholars must agree to practice in an NHSC-approved site in a high-need health professional shortage area and complete one year of service for each year of support (minimum of two years of service, maximum of four years of support and service).
In return, scholars receive:
• tax-free payment of tuition, required fees, other reasonable educational costs and a monthly living stipend (taxable);
• assistance finding a job at a high-need, NHSC-approved site;
• access to educational, training and networking opportunities;
• and membership in a community of providers with a shared desire to serve patients with limited access to healthcare.
Meky, a Morgantown resident, said she was happy and relieved when she found out she had been selected for the award.
“I’m looking forward to giving back to the community and helping others who need our help,” she said. “That’s what this scholarship is all about.”
After graduation, Meky hopes to practice orthodontics in West Virginia.
Meky will be recognized at the School of Dentistry’s annual Dental Scholarship Recognition Program, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday in the Health Sciences Center Commons Area.
The program will also recognize the donors and recipients of the more than 20 scholarships given to dental students this year.