Scholar Opportunities

Working at Church Health is about service to our community.

Church Health Scholars

Through work, curriculum and engagement, the Church Health Scholars program seeks to build future leaders in a service-learning experience within a faith-based health care organization.

About the Church Health Scholars Program

The Church Health Scholars program is a gap-year, service-learning fellowship for recent four-year college graduates interested in serving underserved populations and exploring the intersection of faith and health. During a year of meaningful work, scholars are exposed to what it means to work in an equitable healthcare setting to serve the underserved populations of Memphis. Church Health aims to provide a firm foundation for scholars to build professional and personal values, work ethic and perspective that forwards our mission to care for one another in our Memphis community.

Since its inception as the volunteer-based Clinic Assistant Program in the late 1980s, the Church Health Scholars program has helped participants launch careers as medical providers, community leaders and health care professionals.

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 by Marvin Skaggs who was a physician and leader in our community.

Application Timeline

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

COVID-19 vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees of Church Health, including those who do not have direct patient contact; this policy extends to all contract employees, volunteers and student interns who work within Church Health spaces at Crosstown Concourse. It is the intent of this policy to require any booster shots or subsequent annual vaccinations, as recommended by the CDC, to maintain vaccination status. Proof of vaccination is required absent a documented medical or religious exemption.

Available Scholar Positions

Scholars are assigned tasks specific to the various areas of Church Health including, but not limited to, Referrals, Clinical Assistants, Dental, and The Well.

Successful applicants should be actively preparing for medical school or further study in an associated field. People interested in these positions are typically interested in pursuing a future degree in various health care fields, such as medical school, public health, physician assistant, health administration, nursing, physical therapy and more.

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

The Well Assistant Scholar

The Well assistants will provide direct services to children and their families. They will help provide high-quality programming by researching relevant topics for discussion, attending

Behavioral Health Scholar

To support the daily activities of the behavioral health work area including support for patients, members, behavioral health team members, volunteer and contract providers. Strong computer and interpersonal skills

Optometry Assistant Scholar

The optometry assistant scholar will support the daily activities of the optometry clinic by assisting in scheduling, answering inboxes, and calling and returning patient phone calls. The position will also provide support

Physical Rehabilitation  Aide Scholar

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

Referral Clinic Scholar

Referral clinic assistants are responsible for managing on-site specialty care clinics and scheduling diagnostic tests for Church Health patients. During clinic sessions, Referral scholars work

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how the Church Health Scholar program works

What is the Church Health Scholars program?

The Church Health Scholars Program is a one-year program that aims to provide recent college graduates with thoughtful and thought-provoking work experiences at Church Health, a faith-based organization that serves underserved populations in the Memphis area. Scholars work directly with our providers in one of our clinics or they work in positions that support our staff and community partners.

Who can be a Scholar?

The Scholars program is open to recent four-year college graduates (0-3 years out of college). Scholars come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have an interest in healthcare and are united in serving Memphis’ underserved populations.

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 5: Application Open
February 4: Priority application deadline
February 11: Interviews begin
February 25 Application extended deadline
April 22: Candidate notifications

What resources & opportunities are available for Scholars?

Many opportunities are open to Scholars. By being embedded in our service areas, Scholars are given access to the same learning resources and experiences our staff receive. They have the option to be paired with a local professional through the mentor program, and will participate in ongoing learning opportunities focused on professional development and learning about faith and health. Many opportunities will come through interaction with providers, volunteers and other community members, while others will be structured parts of the program, such as ongoing service and networking events. Additionally, every Scholar is encouraged to develop on ongoing relationship with Dr. Scott Morris and other staff to get support with interview skills and career development.

What type of compensation do Scholars receive?

Scholars are compensated the same as full-time staff members of Church Health, receiving an hourly pay for 40 hours per week and a full benefits package that includes health insurance, access to employee assistance programs, and free membership to the Church Health YMCA. Scholars also receive paid vacation days, with the opportunity to earn more through the Church Health Staff Health Program.

Meet Our Scholars

Scholars are more than fellows and recent graduates. They are vital to the work of Church Health. Introducing the 2020 – 2021 Cohort:

Ethan Clark

Medical Clinic Assistant Scholar

Alex Jin

Referral Scholar

Adam Martinez

Referral Scholar

Sam Nieman

Medical Clinic Assistant Scholar

Deanna O’Banner

Optometry Scholar

Autumn O’Neal

Behavioral Health Scholar

Alex Robinson

Physical Rehabilitation Scholar

Jonathan Shephard

Health Care Administration Scholar

Callan Truitt

The Well Scholar

Day in the Life of a Church Health Scholar

Scholars share parts of their day to give a glimpse of what it’s like as inside each department and clinical area at Church Health. Each scholar featured took over our Instagram stories for the day to share their unique perspectives.
Navigate to our Instagram highlights section to check them out.

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Scholar Webinar Series

Explore careers in health care with our Scholars. Learn about the Scholar experience in each department and what Scholars contribute to and take away from Church Health.