News and Events
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Collaborates on $2M Grant to Expand Rural Healthcare Career Pathways
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM) is proud to serve as a key academic partner in a new $2 million grant-funded initiative to expand healthcare career opportunities for students in rural Tennessee.
The HEALTH Program (High School, Education, and Apprenticeship Programs Leading to Transformative Healthcare Careers), led by the UT College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), is designed to guide rural students from high school to graduate education through structured, work-based learning experiences. The four-year program integrates dual enrollment, paid internships, mentorship by academic physicians, and clinical training to prepare students for high-demand health careers.
UTGSM faculty are supporting the development of a new medical sciences degree and will play a leading role in providing mentorship and clinical experience for participants. Qualified students in the program will also receive guaranteed interview consideration for admission to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Knoxville (UTHSC COM-Knoxville).
"We are excited to receive this grant in partnership with UT Knoxville's College of Emerging and Collaborative Science. As the State School of Tennessee, our joint efforts represent a shared commitment to addressing the healthcare workforce shortages across East Tennessee and beyond," said Paige Johnson, MD, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education. "This initiative is just one example of how working together as a statewide institution can create meaningful pathways for young people to enter the health professions and, ultimately, improve healthcare access and outcomes in our rural communities."
The program expands on the Knox County 865 Academies model and launches new Health Academies in Claiborne and Roane counties. It also includes partnerships with UT Medical Center, Claiborne Medical Center, Roane Medical Center, Rhea Medical Center, Roane State and Walters State community colleges, and local school systems.
Learn more about the statewide initiative here: UT Launches HEALTH Program to Expand Rural Healthcare Pathways
Posted June 10, 2025
About the UTGSM
Currently the UT Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM) is the sponsoring institution of 11 residency programs and 15 fellowships. The program directors of these training programs share a passion for the education, training and well-being of its GME trainees. Click here to learn about each of our departments and programs. The UTGSM is located on the University of Tennessee Medical Center's campus.