Student training opportunities are offered throughout the year. Through our academic partnerships we are able to accomodate a handful of students in each of the two programs described below. Learn more about previous Suwannee River AHEC coordinated projects and community partners by clicking on the hyperlinks listed here:
This program is designed to provide community
experiences for graduate students in the University of Florida 's
Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree Program in all concentration
areas. The PHS Program enables students to work full time for eight
weeks or part time for fifteen weeks to investigate public health
issues from rural and medically underserved areas. Projects emerge in
response to locally identified needs and the program's goal is to make
a long-lasting impact on the community.
The PATCH program provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at the University of Florida (UF) with opportunities to seek practical solutions for community-based problems from rural and medically underserved areas. Students investigate public health issues working full time for eight weeks or part time for fifteen weeks. PATCH offers projects with varying degrees of complexity and requires intermediate to advanced skills. Projects emerge in response to locally identified needs and the program's goal is to make a difference in rural communities.
Community PHS and PATCH project proposals are accepted from community partners throughout the year. The 2-page proposal forms must be submitted no later than the mid-point of the preceding semester. Proposals may be submitted by administrators, educators, clinicians, and health professionals on issues related to epidemiology, health education, management and policy, social and behavioral sciences, community health, and health promotion and disease prevention.
Student PHS and PATCH applications are available from
January-December. Applicants must also submit a cumulative transcript
that shows their current registration. Students are encouraged to
apply early since projects are awarded competitively on a first-come,
first served basis.
Applicants must complete a minimum of two full time semesters (30 credits) at UF prior to application to the PATCH Program.
To be funded, proposals must show:
A demonstrated need
A clearly identified Project Director on-site who will work
closely with students to facilitate project completion
Appropriate on-site facilities and support for student training
Clearly defined and measurable project outcomes
Acceptability and support of the topic by the local community
Student Opportunities and Benefits! Participants in both programs are paid stipends competitive with
other research projects at the University of Florida.
A written paper that summarizes the project and its outcomes is due at the end of the semester. Many projects have been presented at state and
national conferences or published in peer-reviewed journals. A list of
prior projects, publications and presentations is available.
For more information, contact Laura Guyer (), (386) 462-1551 x 110.
Suwannee River Area Health Education
Center, Inc.
14646 NW 151st Blvd
Alachua, FL 32615
Phone: (386) 462-1551
Fax: (386) 462-1601 Contact Us
