Blair Baumann
Texas Woman's University, Dental Hygiene
The 2020 allied health scholarship was awarded to Texas Woman’s University student Blair Baumann. The field of dental hygiene interested Blair because of the opportunity to directly connect with patients in educating them on how the oral cavity affects local and systemic health. After graduation, Ms. Baumann intends to work clinically at a private practice, volunteer her free time at non-profit charities in promoting oral hygiene, and eventually pursue a career as a dental hygiene professor. Ms. Blair’s thesis was an in-depth look at combating clinical burnout in the realm of dental hygiene. “As the demand for both efficiency and quality increases within dentistry, so does the risk for oral health professionals to experience clinical burnout,” stated Ms. Baumann. “However, with the right mindset and guidelines, we can ease the strain and extensive demand placed on healthcare workers in society today.”
Marie Wold
Williston State College, Nursing
The 2020 nursing scholarship was awarded to Williston State College student Marie Wold. Marie was intensely involved in the family farming operation and homeschooled her four sons. For the last 15 years, Marie has been a volunteer EMT with the local ambulance and CPR/First Aid Instructor for local hospitals and businesses. Ms. Wold’s thesis described the challenges faced by adult caregivers. “The demands of this rapidly expanding population and their caregiving children require a fresh look into how healthcare of the aging is accomplished,” stated Ms. Wold. “Educational programs, support and counseling services, workplace policies, and financial assistance are essential to give this valuable resource longevity.”
Jachua Polcyn
Augusta University, Emergency Medical Services
The 2020 EMS scholarship was awarded to Augusta University student Jachua Polcyn. The field of EMS interested Jachua because he wanted to render care to those in need. After graduation, Mr. Polcyn plans to work as a Paramedic in the Augusta and Atlanta areas as well as in a hospital clinical setting to expand his knowledge and prepare for Medical School. Mr. Polcyn’s thesis was an in-depth look at patient discrimination in Emergency Medicine “In depth sensitivity training can combat patient discrimination and lead to improved outcomes concerning patient treatment and mortality,” stated Mr. Polcyn. “There is no room for discrimination in a field founded on helping patients.”