Diversified Awards 2011 Leaders in Health Care Scholarships to Minority Students Pursuing Advanced Degrees in Health Care

Harrison, NY, July 08, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Diversified, an Institute for Diversity in Health Management (“the Institute”) sponsor, is proud to announce that Joseth Abara and Sheena Garcia have been awarded the 2011 Leaders in Health Care Scholarships. They will each receive a $5,000 award.

The Diversified Leaders in Health Care Scholarship award is available for first- and second-year graduate students pursuing degrees in health care administration or a comparable degree. Candidates are required to demonstrate financial need as well as a commitment to community service and academic excellence. In addition, they are evaluated on the basis of a personal statement about their interest in health care management and career goals, as well as an essay on the most challenging issues facing the future of the American health care system. The Institute coordinates the application and candidate selection process on behalf of Diversified.

Garcia is currently pursuing a master of health services administration at The University of Kansas Medical Center. She graduated with honors from Wichita State University, earning an undergraduate degree in medical technology. Following graduation, she successfully passed the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Technology board exam, earning the title of MT. Garcia has received numerous awards and scholarships and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Society for Neuroscience and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. She was a past fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health, working in a clinical research setting and is currently a patient services assistant for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Garcia’s goal as a future leader in health care management is to improve health care quality and effectiveness by addressing the challenges posed by the current system of reimbursement.

Abara is currently pursuing a master of public health degree at Columbia University. She earned a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry from Rutgers University. Abara has a noteworthy track record of volunteerism, participating in community outreach programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles through cooking classes and health screening. She has also volunteered at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and was in charge of coordinating the first annual research symposium at Andrews University. Abara’s goal is to be an agent of change in the health care system by finding ways to increase access to affordable health care.

“Since 2006, Diversified has recognized the talents and contributions of students committed to improving the health care environment by awarding the Leaders in Health Care Scholarships to two deserving individuals,” said Brodie Wood, Vice President and not-for-profit practice leader at Diversified. “This year, we honor Joseth and Sheena for their commendable track records in community service and academic achievement. Their demonstrated interest in and dedication to health care administration make them deserving of the scholarship and we are proud to support their journey toward pursuing careers in the field.

For more information about the Diversified Leaders in Health Care Scholarship, contact Chris O. Biddle at 312-422-2658 or cbiddle@aha.org. Applications for the 2012 scholarship are available online only at the Institute’s web site, www.diversityconnection.org, beginning in November. Information on other scholarships is also available at the site.

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