Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) graduate Oscar Garcia, ’24, helps to address an unprecedented healthcare shortage across the state as a registered nurse (RN) at UK Healthcare. The Kentucky Hospital Association’s 2024 Workforce Survey Report notes a 12% statewide hospital workforce vacancy rate and 3,899 registered nurse vacancies.
“I wanted to be a source of help to my family and those underserved within the hospital system,” said Garcia, the first in his family to pursue formal healthcare education in nursing.
The healthcare shortage extends to physicians, with the Kentucky Physician Report indicating nearly a third of Kentucky’s doctors having been licensed between 31 and 50 or more years. Garcia came to EKU initially in pursuit of pre-med then decided on a degree in nursing, because of barriers to medical education and primarily financial concerns. He said, “Nursing was a pathway to learn medical knowledge that could be of quick service while providing me a source of living.”
Garcia still hopes to further his career with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree and one day achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.
“I grew up with holistic means of treating illnesses and improving quality of life and only built upon that through my nursing education,” he said. “The D.O. program aligns most with my philosophies for patient care. To give someone an opportunity to consider lifestyle and supplemental modifications is amazing from a nursing point of view. I can only imagine the implications and differences as a D.O.!”
Garcia views the proposed D.O. program at EKU as an opportunity to enhance the region’s health and well-being by expanding access to patient-centered healthcare.
If EKU were to establish a D.O. program, Garcia said he’d be especially interested, as he appreciates the small class sizes and intimate learning environment EKU provides. The Gallatin County, Kentucky, native said, “It would give me another pathway to consider when pursuing my healthcare growth, and I could be closer to home learning in a D.O. program.”
In 2023-24, Kentucky’s three medical schools received over 13,000 applications, but less than 4% enrolled. An additional option for medical school in Kentucky through a College of Osteopathic Medicine at EKU would help to meet the demand for medical school seats in the state. Garcia said, “I could attend my alma mater and earn my medical degree at a more affordable rate.”
No matter where his career goes from here, Garcia found his calling in healthcare, saying, “I want to be a help to those struggling in their scariest moments. What someone considers ‘frightening’ from a medical standpoint can mean a lot of things, but each is equally as valid in pursuit of their health and wellbeing.”
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