







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.





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.
“I’m so pleased that our partners at Robert Gordon University are leading the planning of CONVERGE 2022, which will undoubtedly build upon the solid foundation of last year’s inaugural virtual symposium, where so many wonderful connections were made. I’d encourage all with an interest, or even a curiosity, in rural health to participate in this unique learning opportunity.”
Neil MacKinnon, PhD
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
“I wish for warm, innovative and creative thinking out loud together conversations that may lead to future collaborations, real world solutions to educational challenges that enhance person and patient care”
Laura Chalmers
Core Team
Speakers

Catherine Clary
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Pamela Cromer
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Stephanie Feltona
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Lynn Glenn
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Trish Gray
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Ashley Hannings
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Vivian Hill-Silcott
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Chevonnia Jones
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Niel MacKinnon
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Julie Mathers
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Rusty May
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Anthony McDavitt
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Erin Mundy
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Peter Murchie
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Susan Nicosia
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Adarsh Shah
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Carrie Walton
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Henry Young
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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