Berry Receives National Health Service Corp Scholarship

Lincoln Memorial University-School of Medical Sciences (LMU-SMS) Physician Assistant (PA) student Julia Berry received the National Health Service Corp Scholarship.

The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. In return, scholars commit to provide primary health care is areas experiencing a shortage of services.

Berry, Class of 2023, is enrolled in the PA Program in Knoxville and has always had a heart to serve the underserved. In addition to participating in mission trips to Haiti and Guatemala, she has served her local community through food pantries, bone marrow drives, youth groups, and activities in assisted living communities.

“The easiest thing to do is to convey what is already passionately purposed in your heart to do,” Berry said.

Berry earned her undergraduate degree from Liberty University and has worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing prior to enrolling in the PA program. The NHSC program resonated with Berry and her sense of purpose. 

A few days prior to matriculation into the LMU-SMS PA program, Berry received notification of her NHSC scholarship acceptance. After graduation she will serve in either a rural or urban underserved community determined to be in most need by the U.S. Bureau of Health Workforce. 

“I am excited and humbled by this honor and responsibility,” Berry said. “It encourages me to steward my PA school experience well so that I can be a thoroughly equipped LMU-Knoxville PA graduate ready and able to serve the underserved.”

Established in 2019, LMU-SMS is home to LMU’s Physician Assistant Program at the main campus in Harrogate, a Surgical Physician Assistant Program at LMU-Knoxville, the Doctor of Medical Science completion program in Harrogate, and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree program. The school supports the University’s mission of service to Appalachia and other underserved areas by maintaining high quality medical education and supporting student success.