HIGHLIGHTING COMMUNITY BASED STUDENT EDUCATION

The West Central Alabama AHEC is proud to spotlight Karen Finklea, a Physician Assistant who attended the University of South Alabama. Ms. Finklea was a volunteer with the West Central Alabama AHEC through the AmeriCorps program and taught Youth Mental Health First Aid courses September 2015-August 2016. Because of her accomplishments, she was awarded the prestigious National Health Service Corps Scholarship in 2016. Ms. Finklea now is a practicing provider in rural Alabama and serves underserved populations.

“My name is Claire Turner. I am originally from Chattanooga, TN but currently live in Tuscaloosa, AL. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a BSN in 2014, where I was also a varsity member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams for 4 years. I've been working at DCH Regional Medical Center on an inpatient oncology unit since graduation. Most people ask me how I got "stuck" in an oncology position, but I proudly reply that that is exactly where I want to be. In addition to working as an RN here in the states, I have participated in medical missions in Mexico and Honduras. I am currently in an MSN-FNP program at Samford University. I have a huge heart for community health and oncology, so my goal is to find a way to pursue both of my passions. I was recently awarded the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program Award and am eager to see where this new adventure will take me.”