Congratulations to the Second Annual Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship Winner

Dr. Rhys Branman and the Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center team are thrilled to announce they’ve chosen Miranda Drake as the 2023 Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship recipient. Ms. Drake currently attends Jefferson Regional Nursing School in Pine Bluff, AR to pursue an Associates of Applied Sciences to become a Registered Nurse. 

The Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship was founded to increase the number of quality healthcare providers in rural areas and comes at a crucial time: The need for healthcare professionals in these areas continues to surge, and this scholarship can help lessen the financial hardships that often deter students from pursuing a career in medical care. Recipients may use the $2,500 scholarship for any educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks and supplies, required technology, or transportation and housing. 

Miranda’s experience working with patients at the UAMS residency program in Pine Bluff and her focused vision for enhancing patient care helped her application shine among a competitive pool of deserving candidates. Most notably, her desire to pursue a career in the medical field is near and dear to her heart and was influenced by personal experiences. 

“My 31-year-old sister recently passed away due to complications from type 1 diabetes, and it gave me deeper compassion toward patients struggling to manage this disease,” said Ms. Drake.  “These patients have a special place in my heart, and I hope one day, as a nurse, I can advocate for patients who do not have the money or resources to manage their diabetes.”

The staggering number of patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other chronic health problems is one of the most critical issues rural medicine faces today and is often associated with socioeconomic status. Having limited financial means often makes routine check-ups inaccessible, especially when having to travel long distances to reach healthcare facilities, so many people do not seek care until their disease has become severe and much more challenging to treat.

Dr. Branman offers the scholarship as an investment in future medical providers and the health and well-being of Arkansas residents living in rural communities.

We couldn’t have asked for a more deserving recipient for this scholarship; Miranda’s commitment to helping others through medicine and her heart for reaching some of the most vulnerable Arkansans will undoubtedly go far in improving medical care in underserved areas. 

If you are interested in applying for the scholarship next year, you can learn more and review the application requirements by visiting https://www.littlerockcosmeticsurgery.com/arkansas-rural-health-scholarship/.