Hedrick Medical Center Medical Staff Continues Scholarship Opportunity

The Hedrick Medical Center Medical Staff is pleased to announce the continuation of a scholarship program for area residents. The Harkness Scholarship is named after Dr. James A. Harkness, a former Chillicothe physician and Chief of Staff at Hedrick Medical Center who died in 1988.

The Harkness Scholarship aims to support and encourage individuals in the surrounding rural communities who have chosen the path to become a physician. Scholarships will be awarded annually, up to $1,000 per recipient. Two recipients will be selected for 2026.

Each scholarship will require recipients to share their grades and school status if requested by the Hedrick Medical Center Medical Staff. Applicants may apply for and receive this award each year throughout their education/training.

Eligible candidates include:

• High school student accepted to a 6-year medical school
• Undergraduate accepted into medical school
• Current medical student
• Current medical resident
• Must be from one of the following counties; Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Mercer, Grundy, Harrison, Livingston, Linn, Mercer, Putnam, Ray, Saline, Sullivan
• Completed 20 hours of community service

Applicants are required to write a short essay and include two letters of recommendation.

Download the scholarship application (PDF). Applications must be received or postmarked by April 15, 2026.

Any questions can be directed to Colby Baker, HMC Harkness Liaison, at 660-214-8828 or [email protected].