November 8, 9am-12pm EST / 1400-1700 GMT
November 9, 9am-1pm EST / 1400-1800 GMT

The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy is excited to partner with Augusta University, University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to hold our third international rural health symposium. NES is an education and training body and a national health board within NHS Scotland. They are responsible for developing and delivering healthcare education and training for the NHS, health and social care sector and other public bodies. They have a Scotland-wide role in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development.

The virtual symposium will be an interactive opportunity for health care professionals from all backgrounds to focus on the understanding of rural health challenges through the lens of education and workforce preparation. Expert panelists will present innovative and creative solutions they’ve addressed in access to care, experiential learning and connectivity challenges. These presentations will foster discussions among breakout groups on ways these strategies might be replicated or enhanced.

As an important foundation, and in large part because of the anticipated publications and research coming from this symposium, we are engaging key experts in the field of rural health education. We look forward to opening the symposium up to a broader audience at subsequent events.

Augusta Universit
NHS Education for Scotland
Robert Gordan University Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen
UGA College of Pharmacy

About

During the Converge symposium 2021 (CONVERGE 21), Provost Neil MacKinnon of Augusta University announced grant funding for investigations into rural health issues to 10 collaborative research projects, each up to $10,000. The purpose of this funding opportunity was to invite and support multi-disciplinary collaborative partnerships that investigate issues around access to care, experiential learning, and connectivity in rural communities. Each funded project involved at least one partner from each side of the Atlantic, we are delighted that CONVERGE 22 2023 will showcase the collaborative projects inspired and funded by Augusta University.

Grant Funding

Any individual or group from Augusta University, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, University of Aberdeen or Robert Gordon University and NHS for Education Scotland (NES) is invited to develop joint applications for CONVERGE grant funding. The research projects can focus on, but are not limited to, clinical practice, health care delivery, research in rural health context, education for rural health care and artistic representation from a rural perspective. Please contact CONVERGE2023@augusta.edu for further information.

Grant funding applications now open for Converge Symposium Collaborative

With the second-annual Converge International Rural Health Symposium having wrapped up, Neil J. MacKinnon, PhD, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Augusta University, and Zach Kelehear, EdD, vice provost for instruction, are excited to announce this year’s call for collaborative research proposals addressing issues in rural health.

Resources

Rural areas present a number of challenges for both providers and families in managing and accessing healthcare. This multidisciplinary conference focuses on spotlighting innovative and collaborative efforts to provide better care with limited resources through educational and training initiatives from health professions colleges and universities.

Pre-symposium Readings on:

Education Systems
Comparisons

Pre-symposium Readings on:

Geographic and Demographic Comparisons

Pre-symposium Readings on:

Health Systems
Comparisons

Pre-symposium Readings on:

Partner Institution Health Professions Programs

Pre-symposium Readings on:

Health Professions
Comparisons

Pre-symposium Readings on:

Health Status of our Populations Comparisons

Videos

Speakers

Converge Speaker

Catherine Clary

View Bio
Converge Speaker

Pamela Cromer

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Converge Speaker

Stephanie Feltona

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Converge Speaker

Lynn Glenn

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Converge Speaker

Trish Gray

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Converge Speaker

Ashley Hannings

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Converge Speaker

Vivian Hill-Silcott

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Converge Speaker

Chevonnia Jones

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Converge Speaker

Niel MacKinnon

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Converge Speaker

Julie Mathers

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Converge Speaker

Rusty May

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Converge Speaker

Anthony McDavitt

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Converge Speaker

Erin Mundy

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Converge Speaker

Peter Murchie

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Converge Speaker

Susan Nicosia

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Converge Speaker

Adarsh Shah

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Converge Speaker

Carrie Walton

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Converge Speaker

Henry Young

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2022 Posters

Funded Project

Colleen Walters

Funded Project

Nancy Havas

Funded Project

Elena Prendergast & Devin Lavender

Funded Project

Joanna Shim

Poster Only

Trish Gray

Development Team

Creative and innovative leadership and engaged teams from Augusta University (AU), University of Aberdeen (UoA), University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy (UGA), Robert Gordon University (RGU) and NHS education for Scotland are leading the way to building our 3rd international rural health symposium.

Henry N. Young, PhD, FAPhA (UGA)

CHAIR

Denise Kornegay, MSW (AU)

CO-CHAIR

Dr Imran Omar (UoA)

CO-CHAIR

Alyssa Ruffa, MPH (AU)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Catherine Clary, JD (AU)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Scott Cunningham, BSc (Hons) Pharm, PhD, FFRPS, FRPharmS (RGU)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Dr James N’Dow, MB, ChB, FRCS (Ed), MD, FRCS (Urol) (UoA)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Dr Pam Nicoll (NHS)

CO-CHAIR

Dr Sheelagh Martindale (RGU)

CO-CHAIR

Rusty May, Pharm.D, FASHP (UGA)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Dr Kathryn Martin (AU)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Dr Pamela Kirkpatrick (RGU)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Antonella Tonna, BPharm (Hons) ,MSc, PhD (RGU)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM