The CVS Health Foundation’s Caring Hearts Scholarship is awarded to just 50 family nurse practitioner (FNP) students nationwide with a goal to increase access to primary care, especially in rural and low-income areas. 

Two School of Nursing students, Merve Kadioglu and Jennifer Dominguez, have earned this prestigious scholarship this year, which carries a monetary award of $10,000. Both students are engaged in community-centered healthcare projects that have uniquely qualified them for this scholarship. 

Merve Kadioglu, MSc, RN, BSN, currently serves as a volunteer mentor at the White Tulip Health Foundation, composed of immigrant health professionals in the United States. She assists immigrants who are nurses in their home countries and have work permits in the U.S. by providing guidance on obtaining diploma equivalency, finding jobs, preparing resumes, and navigating nursing education and certification. 

“Having come from an underserved background myself, I am committed to making healthcare accessible to those who face barriers due to socio-economic status, language, or cultural differences,” said Kadioglu. “I hope to work in a primary care or community health setting where I can use my skills and experiences to improve the quality of life for individuals in need, while also contributing to healthcare innovation and equity.”

Kadioglu’s demonstrated commitment to accessible healthcare began in Turkey, her home country. Between 2011 and 2012, she volunteered as part of a five-member team providing reproductive health services, information, and screening for breast and uterine cancer, aimed at improving women's health in rural areas of Istanbul. 

From 2014 to 2015, she served as the Charity Committee Representative for the Turkish Delegation at the NATO Joint Forces Command in Brunssum, Netherlands, providing support and assistance to military personnel and their families. Following this experience, she again volunteered in Istanbul, offering antenatal care and services related to postpartum depression to Syrian refugee women. 

Meanwhile, Jennifer Dominguez, RN, BSN, devotes her time and care to underserved populations in downtown San Antonio, Texas, where many people lack access to basic healthcare services, insurance, and health education. She and other nurses play a crucial role in bridging these gaps by delivering compassionate care, offering health education, and advocating for patient needs, requiring cultural sensitivity, resourcefulness, and a strong commitment to improving health outcomes in a community that faces systemic inequalities.

“Many patients are unaware of the resources available to them,” said Dominguez. “I have worked to bridge this gap by connecting patients with local clinics, food banks, transportation services, and housing assistance, ensuring that patients have the information they need to access these resources.”

Dominguez has also conducted workshops and one-on-one sessions to empower patients with knowledge around managing chronic conditions, nutrition, and preventative care. She has acted as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, assisting with scheduling appointments, understanding medical instructions, and accessing necessary medications by utilizing programs such as the Meds-to-Beds program. 

Both Kadioglu and Dominguez hope to expand their influence as FNPs, not only addressing immediate healthcare needs, but also contributing to long-term improvements in the health and wellbeing of underserved communities.