Southern Vermont AHEC

Exciting things are happening this summer with our AHEC Scholars!

Recently, our Director of Programs, Alysia Straw, participated in the AHEC Scholars Project Research and Quality Improvement (QI) Orientation at the The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont (LCOM). The event brought together medical students students and advisors to present their upcoming summer fieldwork and research projects.

The AHEC Scholars Project includes both fieldwork and didactic learning components designed to support research and quality improvement initiatives in healthcare.

We are proud to highlight the work of LCOM student researchers Michael Mosqueda and Alannah Garrison, whose project is titled, “Impact of Legal Recreational Cannabis on Motor Vehicles in Vermont.”

Previous state and national research has raised concerns about the relationship between cannabis legislation and motor vehicle crash rates, including injuries and fatalities. Their project will evaluate Vermont’s experience by analyzing quarterly data from 2015–2025.

The project will be overseen by Dr. Corey Burchman, MD, Managing Partner at Pavillion Group LLC and Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College.

We look forward to seeing the impact of this important research!

Photo: L-R: Michael Mosqueda, AHEC Scholar and Medical Student Researcher, Dr. Corey Burchman MD (Collaborator: Managing Partner at Paviliion Group LLC and Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College), Alysia Straw, MBA (Faculty, Director of Programs at Southern Vermont AHEC) and Alannah Garrison, AHEC Scholar and Medical Researcher.

Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization Northern Vermont AHEC Vermont Agency of Transportation

Our school visits are winding down for the academic year, but we’re squeezing in a few more before June!

On May 21, we had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd Annual High Demand Careers & Apprenticeship Fair at Brattleboro Union High School. This incredible event is part of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3).

More than 700 students explored high-demand career fields like healthcare through a full day packed with career readiness activities, hands-on demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and even practicing their elevator pitches with local businesses.

What an amazing opportunity for students to explore career pathways, connect with potential employers, and start thinking about their next steps for the future.

Vermont Department of Health Vermont Health Careers Vermont Department of Labor Windham Regional Career Center

We are excited to be entering our 3rd session with Rutland Tapestry Program at Rutland Middle School

Last week, our Health Careers Coordinator, Carol Knight, welcomed special guest Sue Pollard, RN (Retired), who demonstrated the proper donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while also sharing insights into the nursing profession.

One of the students’ favorite activities was exploring healthcare careers through VR headsets, featuring simulations of knee surgery and EMT response to a car crash.

Another successful event that inspired, engaged, and introduced students to the many exciting pathways within the healthcare profession!



Vermont Health Careers Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT

Southern Vermont AHEC honors those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice.

More happy faces from Workforce In Motion event at Vermont State University Castleton Campus. Mount Saint Joseph Academy Vermont Health Careers National AHEC Organization Christ the King School Rutland Rutland Middle School Rutland High School West Rutland School Mill River Union High School Proctor Jr./Sr. High School

Workforce In Motion is in full swing. Hundreds of students ranging from Middle School, High School, and beyond, are checking out the many career opportunities available to them including healthcare. We have enjoyed meeting and greeting students from Rutland Middle School, Rutland High School, Proctor, West Rutland, and Poultney. They Iove trying out the stethoscopes and having their pulse taken with the pulse oximeter.

Vermont Health Careers Mount Saint Joseph Academy Mill River Union High School Proctor Jr./Sr. High School West Rutland School



Vermont Department of Health Rutland Regional Medical Center

We are prepped and ready for the big Workforce In Motion event starting at 9 am. Executive Director Jennifer Scott and Peg Bolgioni, Marketing and Communications Manager will be on site today.

Sending a huge congratulations to a special group of 2026 graduates from the The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont who have made a lasting impact on our programs and students!

We are incredibly grateful to:

Caroline George (Class of 2027)
Georgia Babb
Anika Advant
* Aina Ratu

who served as mentors in our 2023 Summer MedQuest Programs at Rutland Regional Medical Center and Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT *Aina was inducted into the Aequitas Health Honor Society (UVM) in October 2025 in recognition for “engaging in work rooted in improving health equity, anti-racism, and community engagement."

A special shoutout as well to:

Jake Bleau
Jenna Eaton-Clark

for overseeing our 2023 Summer Advanced MedQuest Program at Rutland Regional Medical Center , and to:

Julia Bernier

who contributed to the Health Professions Exploration Program (HPEP) Summer Project at Vermont State University Castleton Campus by helping to design curriculum for future pre-med and health professions students.

Their innovation, enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment inspired countless students to explore careers in healthcare and medicine. We are so proud to have been connected to each of them during their journey.

Wishing all of these outstanding graduates the very best as they begin the next chapter of their medical careers — your future patients will be lucky to have you!



Photo #1: L-R: Georgia Babb, Caroline George, Anika Advant (AHEC Scholar), and Aina Ratu (AHEC Scholar)
Photo #2: Julia Bernier (AHEC Scholar)
Photo #3: Jake Bleau, and Jenna Eaton-Clark (Both AHEC Scholars)

Vermont Department of Health Grace Cottage National AHEC Organization

We’re proud to share that our partnership with the Rutland Tapestry Program at Rutland Middle School was recently spotlighted in the Rutland Herald! https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/new-tapestry-and-epic-program-partnerships-teach-students-life-skills/article_5d675415-cf8f-5c00-beb1-bcf7eb8c2140.html

Through this afterschool program, students are gaining more than just knowledge — they’re building real-life skills and exploring future career pathways. Alongside incredible community partners like Vermont Federal Credit Union and Vermont Department of Health, we’re helping create meaningful opportunities for young people to explore what’s possible for their futures.

This week, our Director of Programs, Alysia Straw, led an engaging session focused on oral health education — an important topic that connects wellness, prevention, and healthcare careers.

By introducing students to health professions early, we hope to inspire the next generation of students right here in our community.

Rutland Herald Vermont Federal Credit Union Vermont Department of Health Rutland City Public Schools

New Tapestry and EPIC program partnerships teach students life skills A Rutland City Public Schools after-school program is giving students a chance to learn some valuable life skills from local community leaders this spring.

We are thrilled to be a sponsor for the upcoming Workforce In Motion Summit & Equipment Rodeo on May 21st (9am-2pm) at Vermont State University Castleton Campus. This epic workforce development event should not be missed if you're a student, or seeking training and support for a new career. There will be loads of exhibitors, valuable resource information, cool swag, and of course, prizes, prizes, prizes. Hope to see you there!