Waco Region

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Waco Region

The Texas AHEC East – Waco Region is dedicated to improving the health of rural and high-needs communities across its 18-county service area. Hosted by Waco Family Medicine, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the Waco Region collaborates with medical schools, nursing programs, and allied health institutions to expand access to care and education for various populations.

Waco Family Medicine’s mission—to provide high-quality, comprehensive primary and preventive healthcare for vulnerable populations while training the next generation of healthcare professionals—perfectly aligns with the Texas AHEC East vision. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable health workforce for the Heart of Texas.

Programs

Clinical Placements

The Waco Region places Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner students with preceptors in family medicine, women’s health, internal medicine, and pediatrics. These clinical experiences, conducted in collaboration with Waco Family Medicine, focus on care for high-needs populations.

To participate, students must be enrolled in an affiliated Texas institution. For details or to apply, please visit our Clinical Placement page.


Internships

Waco AHEC interns gain hands-on experience in community engagement, health education, and advocacy. Interns assist with event planning, resource development, and partnership building—developing real-world skills that prepare them for careers in healthcare and public service.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website for internship opportunities.


Shadowing

For students exploring healthcare careers, Waco AHEC offers non-medical shadowing experiences that provide valuable exposure to patient care environments. These opportunities are open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students aged 18 and older.

While academic credit is not available, participants gain firsthand insight into medical practice and community health.

Visit our website for shadowing applications and eligibility details.


AHEC Scholars

The Texas AHEC East Scholars Program recruits and trains a diverse group of health professions students committed to serving rural and high-needs communities.

Waco AHEC connects Scholars to interprofessional learning, networking opportunities, and experiential training across Central Texas—preparing them to lead in transforming healthcare access and delivery.


Careers in Health and Medicine Program (CHAMPS)

The CHAMPS program is a five-day summer healthcare camp for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Focused on engaging students of color, first-generation college students, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, CHAMPS offers exposure to medical careers through mentorship, interactive workshops, and clinical simulations.

Visit our CHAMPS landing page to learn more about this life-changing experience.


All of Us Research Program

Waco AHEC proudly partners with the All of Us Research Program, an initiative to advance health equity through inclusive research.

By educating the community and encouraging participation, Waco AHEC helps ensure that Central Texas populations are accurately represented in health data and research outcomes—supporting innovation that benefits everyone.

Join us at an upcoming event or contact us to learn more about enrolling in the program.


Housing Assistance Placement Program

To support students completing rotations away from home, Waco AHEC maintains a network of housing sponsors who offer free, private accommodations that include study spaces and kitchen access. Housing sponsors are available in Waco, Glen Rose, and Bryan/College Station, and new sponsors are always welcome.


Rural Health Book Club

The Rural Health Book Club is a virtual discussion series hosted on Zoom the last Wednesday of each month from 12–1 p.m. Scholars can earn didactic hours by participating in book readings and discussions centered on health, community, and leadership.

Books are available through local or campus libraries, and participation details are shared on our events page and social media.

Register online.

Ashley Bearden Waco 300x420

Ashley Bearden

Director

1722 Colcord Ave.
Waco, TX 76707

Phone: 254/313-5108
Email: Ashley.Bearden@txaheceast.org

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