Rural health professionals have a powerful story to share, and Health Mentors is inviting Arizona Rural Health Association members to help students discover their own paths into healthcare. Founded by emergency medicine physician and healthcare entrepreneur Dr. John Shufeldt, Health Mentors is a free national network connecting students interested in healthcare careers with mentors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and firsthand insight.

The initiative grew from Dr. Shufeldt’s experience working in Indigenous communities, where he saw talented students with limited access to healthcare career guidance. Through the platform, students can take a career quiz, explore mentors by specialty, and connect directly with professionals whose experiences align with their interests.

Participating mentors create a short profile describing their specialty and career journey, then decide how to respond when students reach out. Those interested in additional involvement may also lead a one-time workshop about their specialty or path into healthcare.

For students in rural Arizona, a connection with someone who understands their community can help make a healthcare career feel within reach. AzRHA members are encouraged to learn more and sign up for free at healthmentors.org.