Guice Speaks at WCU about Mississippi Rural Physician Scholarship Program

Hattiesburg, Miss., November 2, 2012 - Janie Guice, executive director of Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP), spoke to William Carey University pre-med and medical students about the MRPSP on October 29 in WCU’s Green Science building. MRPSP is a program created by the Mississippi Legislature in 2007 that identifies and supports rural college students who aspire to return to their roots to practice medicine. The program assists students from the time they are pre-med to their generalist residency training through academic enrichment, faculty and physician mentoring opportunities, and financial support. 

First-year William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) student Brittney Brown of Poplarville introduced Mrs. Guice before her presentation and explained how the MRPSP helped her.

“I always knew that I wanted to be an OB-GYN,” Brown said. “The MRPSP was created specifically for students like me, who have a passion to become a physician, and serve in a rural area. I know that as soon as a graduate from Carey, I have a job waiting on me in Poplarville. The scholarship I received from MRPSP is helping me do what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Guice explained to the interested students that as early as their junior year they can apply for MRPSP scholarships and become involved with the program’s mentoring opportunities, which will help them as they apply to medical school. Currently, there are five WCU students involved with the program.