Med Center Health Foundation awards three medical school loan forgiveness scholarships
Med Center Health Foundation awarded three medical school loan forgiveness scholarships to three Med Center Health physicians. Recipients of this year’s scholarships are Drs. Darrin Laswell, Dixi Secula, and Ethan Smith.
The program reflects Med Center Health’s commitment to academic excellence, compassionate care, and service to the region. Through two dedicated funds, the program helps eligible physicians reduce their medical school loan debt while supporting Med Center Health’s efforts to attract and retain talented physicians in Southcentral Kentucky.
“We would like to congratulate these three outstanding physicians on being the inaugural recipients of our medical school loan forgiveness scholarships,” said Wade R. Stone, Executive Vice President for Med Center Health. “Our generous donors are investing not only in these young physicians but in the health and wellness of generations to come.”
The first fund is the Medical School Loan Forgiveness Fund, which supports physicians who graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine–Bowling Green Campus and agree to practice at a Med Center Health facility. Dr. Darrin Laswell was named the inaugural recipient of this award.
The second fund is the Joe and Cheri Natcher Medical Education Endowment Fund, which provides loan forgiveness assistance to Med Center Health physicians who earned their bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus. The fund presented its inaugural awards to Dr. Ethan Smith and Dr. Dixi Secula.
Med Center Health extends its sincere gratitude to Joe and Cheri Natcher and the many generous donors whose contributions make these awards possible. Their investment helps talented physicians build their careers within the Med Center Health system while strengthening care for patients and communities throughout Southcentral Kentucky. Congratulations to Dr. Laswell, Dr. Smith and Dr. Secula on this well-deserved recognition.
A third fund will be made available next year. The Shelley R. and Alice S. Norris Medical Education Scholarship Fund will be available to graduates of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine–Bowling Green campus. First priority for this fund will be given to physicians from Cumberland County, then Clinton County, followed by physicians from Med Center Health service areas (Albany, Bowling Green, Caverna, Franklin, Glasgow, Scottsville, and Russellville).
Applications for next year’s medical school loan forgiveness scholarships will be accepted in the Spring of 2027. To learn more about how to apply, contact FoundationScholarships@mchealth.net