Two Marion County natives are among 14 students being admitted to the University of Kansas Medical School this year under a program designed to encourage rural students interested in working as physicians in underserved areas.

Benjamin Heyen from Hillsboro and JuliAnne (Chisholm) Rathbun from Durham were formally welcomed into medical school at a white coat ceremony Friday in Kansas City.

Students in the Scholars in Rural Health program learn about the rewards and challenges of rural practice by working alongside a physician mentor during their junior and senior years as undergraduates.

Heyen, a recent graduate of Tabor College, was mentored by Jon Casimir, M.D., of Newton.

Rathbun, a recent graduate of Kansas State University, was mentored by Douglas Hinkin, M.D., of Manhattan.

The program provides a pathway that ensures the students admission to med school.

Heyen attends the Kansas City campus. Rathbun attends the Salina campus. Both will be members of the Class of 2016.

No more than 16 candidates are accepted each year. Candidates must be Kansas residents with significant experience living in rural communities and ACT or SAT scores at or above the 75th percentile.

Students apply while they still have two years of undergraduate education remaining, after they have completed a year that includes both general biology and general inorganic chemistry.

In their application and interviews, students must declare their intention to practice medicine in rural Kansas and show evidence of dedication and compassion necessary to become competent and caring physicians.

Read more here:

2 from county begin medical school