CHHS Students Named Rural Interprofessional Scholars

Eight CHHS students have been selected for the 2025–2026 Rural Interprofessional Longitudinal Scholars (RIPLS) Program, supported by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.

• Keelyn Oakes (Nursing)
• Keri-Anne McGonigle (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
• Salma Haija (Respiratory Therapy)
• Catherine VanWoert (Athletic Training)
• Leah Gillikin (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
• William Wylie (Applied Gerontology)
• Leslie Sanchez-Rodriguez (Public Health)
• Kayla Olson (Social Work)

The RIPLS program brings together health profession students from UNC Wilmington, UNC Pembroke, and UNC Chapel Hill to tackle rural health challenges through interprofessional collaboration. Established by UNC Chapel Hill in 2019, and generously supported by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, RIPLS offers students a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and promote health in rural settings, while providing tuition assistance to support their engagement in community-based service activities. RIPLS takes a multi-faceted approach to meet the growing workforce needs in North Carolina's rural areas. By fostering interprofessional collaboration, the program equips students with the skills and experiences necessary to implement population-based interventions and improve healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

The Scholars recently completed a six-week summer immersion with Novant Health and UNC Health Southeastern, where they conducted a gap analysis, shadowed providers and community health workers, engaged with experts, and toured local facilities. They presented data-driven solutions to program leaders and will continue developing their skills throughout the academic year to advance rural health in southeastern North Carolina.