October 8, 2015, Sterling, Kan. – In an effort to bring quality healthcare to rural Kansans, a select group of students are entered into the University of Kansas’ Scholars in Rural Health Program each year. Jennifer Calderwood, a junior at Sterling College, was accepted to the competitive program that assures her entrance into medical school at the University of Kansas upon graduation from Sterling.

“Having lived in a rural community all of my life, I really like rural communities and realized that is where my passion is. I like the variety that is required of small-town doctors and being able to treat adults and small babies in the same day,” said Calderwood.

To enroll in the program, students must be Kansas residents with significant experience living in a rural Kansas community. Calderwood has lived in Ulysses her whole life, and has family throughout the state. She is currently shadowing Dr. Stacy Dashiell ’03 at Sterling Medical Center for 40 hours this semester as a requirement for the University of Kansas program.

Calderwood transferred to Sterling College in spring 2015 after completing three semesters at the University of Kansas. She is majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and biblical studies. Calderwood also serves as a speaker on Ministry Teams, a resident assistant in Evans Hall, and competes in cross country and indoor and outdoor track. 

“There were a lot of reasons to switch to Sterling College, but it was mostly a faith-based decision. I wanted a Christian school and a small town atmosphere. I realized that Sterling has everything a science major needs. In fact, I think you are at an advantage at Sterling because you get so much individualized attention and the professors care about you so much outside of class. They check up on me during the summer and ask what they can do to help me prepare for medical school. I’m really happy with the opportunities here,” said Calderwood.

Students in the Scholars in Rural Health Program must graduate from an accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average and science grade point average of 3.50 or higher. They must participate in programs designated by the School of Medicine for the Scholars in Rural Health Program, which may include activities on the participant’s undergraduate campus, and have a satisfactory score on the Medical College Admission Test. The participants are reviewed after each semester to maintain eligibility.

“Jennifer has been one of the most naturally talented and hardworking chemistry scholars with whom I have had the opportunity to train. She is exceptionally well prepared to move into the practice of medicine in the rural areas of Kansas. It is clear to me that if she maintains the work ethic she has demonstrated in my classes, a bright future in this capacity will become a reality,” said Dr. Farai Kwaramba, assistant professor of chemistry.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.