Church Health Scholars

Church Health is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented doctors in Memphis. Through our clinical programs and strong community partnerships, we offer a comprehensive pipeline for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine.

Church Health Scholars

Church Health Scholars is a paid yearlong program for recent college graduates seeking to explore a career in healthcare and make an impact in their community.

Applications accepted November-March; program runs June to June (one-year assignment)

Preparing future leaders in health care.

More than 78%

achieve desired professional goals

Above 80%

acceptance rate to medical school

Over 82%

acceptance rate to dental school

The Church Health Scholars Program prepared me in ways that I couldn't imagine when I first came here. I had a dream of being a physician since I was a child, but it wasn't until I came to Church Health and saw the physicians here really impact people in an underserved community. And that has always stuck with me.

This opportunity has allowed for me to gain valuable medical experience and clinical exposure. I have observed firsthand the need for more cost-efficient health care for those who are financially unstable in our community. This position has allowed me to aid in Church Health’s mission to serve the underserved and contribute to improve health care within the Memphis community.

My time as a Scholar was full of learning and making connections in the medical field. If you find yourself in need of patient care or clinical experience, or are interested in learning how the health care field can grow and change you, this is the place to do it!

My experience as a Scholar was invaluable. I received hands-on experience communicating regularly with patients, and by working closely with our volunteer specialists, I developed an understanding of patient-provider interactions.

Become a Scholar Today

Gain healthcare experience.

Secure hands-on patient care experience
Serve alongside providers and clinical professionals
Prepare for your future in health care with individualized support on applications, interviews and more

Foster relationships.

Expand your network by working alongside professionals in your field
Cultivate community in your cohort through shared work, life and service
Gain access to a network of alumni, mentors, and field expert

Make an impact

Become a champion for health equity and justice
Gain a framework for comprehensive care
Invest in the health of our community

Application Timeline

Thank you to Mrs. Cecile Skaggs for the generous support of future doctors though the Church Health Scholar Program. This support honors the memory of her husband, Dr. Marvin Skaggs who was a physician and leader in our community.

Available Scholar Positions

Patient Assistance Program Scholar

The Patient Assistance Program scholar works with the Certified Pharmacy Technician team to assist with obtaining access to needed specialty prescription medications for Church Health

Subspecialty Scholar

Subspecialty scholars are responsible for managing on-site specialty care clinics and scheduling diagnostic tests for Church Health patients. Subspecialty scholars work with volunteer providers across the

Healthcare Advisory Scholar

This scholar position will be an important part of supporting the improvement processes, services, and performance of the Healthcare Advisory Team (HAT). The focus will

Optometry Assistant Scholar

The optometry assistant scholar will support the daily activities of the optometry clinic by learning to triage patients, schedule appointments, perform exam pretesting and diagnostics. The position will also provide support by helping

Physical Rehabilitation Scholar

The physical rehabilitation scholar will assist with the everyday functions of Church Health’s Outpatient Physical Rehabilitation clinic, both clinical and administrative. They will perform designated and

Dental Assistant Scholar

Dental assistants are assigned tasks specific to the various areas of Church Health Dental Clinic. Successful applicants should be actively preparing for dental school or further study

Clinic Assistant Scholar

The clinic assistant will report directly to the nurse manager. Duties may include assisting with walk-in clinic, clerkship in the pharmacy, answering incoming calls, patient

Compensation

Church Health offers competitive wages to attract and retain employees with great skills and ideas that align with our mission, and to reward achievement. Regular performance reviews are held between each employee and his or her direct manager to ensure that achievements are recognized, and that goals and expectations are being met.

Medical, Vision & Dental

Church Health offers employees working 20 or more hours per week group major medical, vision and dental coverage, effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.

Medical and vision is currently offered through BlueCross BlueShield of TN. Dependent coverage is also available. The organization currently pays approximately 50% – 80% of premiums dependent upon coverage level and number of hours worked per week.

Affordable dental coverage is currently available through Delta Dental of TN, and spouse and dependent dental coverage is also available.

Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Accounts

Church Health offers two flexible spending account options, allowing you to save and pay for you and your family’s eligible medical, dental, vision and childcare expenses.

For participants in the High Deductible Health Plan, Church Health offers an HSA. Church Health also offers a one-time lump sum and a per pay period match for those who enroll in an HSA!

Basic Life & AD&D Insurance

Church Health offers basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost to employees. This also covers a spouse and dependent children at no cost to the employee. Employees may purchase additional supplemental group term life and AD&D for themselves, their spouses, and dependent children.

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Church Health offers short term and long term disability coverage at no cost to employees after 90 days of employment. Short term coverage pays 70% of an employee’s eligible pay for up to 11 weeks. Long term coverage pays 60% of an employee’s eligible wages after short term has been exhausted. Employees must be on an approved leave of absence.

401k

Employees working 20 or more hours per week may participate in a 401(K) deferred compensation plan that is designed to provide income for all covered employees beyond the working years. Church Health will contribute a 3% safe harbor after one year of service and match up to an additional 1% if the employee participates.

Paid Vacation

Paid Time Off (PTO) is a benefit provided to full-time and regular part-time employees each year based on years of service and scheduled hours per week. PTO is accrued throughout the year and employees are eligible to use their accrued PTO after 90 days of employment. Employees working less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for PTO.

Church Health also observes 10 paid holidays per year.

Employee Assistance Program

All employees and members of their household have access to Church Health’s EAP provided by Lincoln Financial Group. This service offers free and confidential assistance on topics ranging from stress management to substance abuse.

Professional Development

Church Health offers various opportunities for professional development, including Church Health University, our Quality Curriculum Course and external training and seminars such as Dale Carnegie Training.

Staff Health Program

All employees are eligible for Church Health’s Staff Health Program. Participants are rewarded in cash or PTO (if eligible for PTO) based on the number of points earned for making healthy decisions and participating in other events and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how the Church Health Scholar program works

What is the Church Health Scholars program?

The Church Health Scholar Program is a one-year paid internship that gives recent 4-year graduates the opportunity to work alongside providers and other Church Health staff to provide healthcare to the underserved populations in the Memphis area.

Who can be a Scholar?

To be eligible to apply for the Church Health Scholar Program, you must be a recent 4-year college graduate (0-3 years out of college).

When are the application & decision periods?

The application and decision dates change slightly from year to year. Generally, applications open in the fall and decisions are made by mid-spring. Each current year’s application dates will be updated in October.

Application Timeline

November 1: Application Open
February 11: Priority application deadline
March 17: Extended Deadline
April 1: Candidate notifications begin for priority deadline applicants

What resources & opportunities are available for Scholars?

1500 hours of clinical experience
Vocational and professional guidance tailored to each Scholar’s desired goal
Volunteer opportunities in the local area
Mock interviews with local providers and admission team advisors
Hands on help applying to professional and/or postsecondary education programs
In-house revision services

What type of compensation do Scholars receive?

Scholars are compensated by receiving:

An hourly salary of $15 an hour for 40 hours per week
Full benefits package to include medical, vision, and dental insurance
Access to employment assistance programs
Free membership to the Church Health YMCA located in the building
Paid Time Off
Staff Health Program rewards that can be awarded as additional paid time off or money

Meet Our Scholars

Introducing the 2025–2026 Cohort

Eva Blake

Subspecialty Scholar

Shashi Danthenapelli

Dental Scholar

Hayden Hornsby

Optometry Scholar

John Prophitt

Subspecialty Scholar

Adrienne Rivera

Healthcare Advisory Scholar