By Cecil Egbele | Contributing Writer | California Local News Fellow

Kern County has one of California’s lowest ratios of primary care physicians to residents, leaving many patients waiting months for care. A new medical training partnership launched this week is designed to reverse that trend.

Eight students became the inaugural scholars of the Kern AUCC Health Scholars Program (KAHSP). The program, conducted through the initiative known as Return to Kern (R2K), is a partnership connecting Bakersfield College, the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), Morehouse School of Medicine, and CommonSpirit Health care sites.

R2K takes students from Bakersfield College to an AUCC institution, then Morehouse School of Medicine, before bringing them back to Kern County for residency and practice.

For LeoNah Denwood, the cohort’s only Black scholar, the R2K program fulfills a dream she has carried since childhood.

“I’ve always wanted to work with kids, and I always knew I wanted to help people,” Denwood said. “Then I realized this was God’s plan for me.”

A recent Liberty High School graduate, Denwood plans to become an obstetrician-gynecologist, hoping to improve healthcare for women and families throughout Kern County.

“When I got accepted, my mom started crying,” Denwood recalled with a smile. “Then my sister and my mom and I were all jumping around. It was exciting.”

Her parents, Deaundra and Leon Denwood, watched proudly as their daughter received her ceremonial pin alongside her fellow R2K scholars at Bakersfield College’s Renegade Hall, in the presence of over 100 family, friends, and the campus community.

“She’s been dreaming about this since she was 8 years old,” her mother said with pride after the ceremony.

Her father said her success stems from a lifelong commitment to serving others and building relationships.

LeoNah Denwood’s story reflects one of the broader goals behind R2K: developing physicians who understand medicine and the communities they serve.

An Answer to Kern County’s Prayers

The emotional centerpiece of the evening came during remarks from Arvin Mayor Olivia Calderon.

Reflecting on her late mother’s battle with breast cancer and her decision to return home to help care for her, Calderon delivered the evening’s most passionate remarks.

“When you say that there is a health desert or a physician shortage, what that means is that lives are on the line,” Calderon said. She explained why the Return to Kern program carries so much promise.

“Here in Kern, when you call for an annual physical exam, they could tell you it’s a six-month wait,” she said. “Having doctors who understand, doctors that come from the same community, is desperately needed.”

Speaking directly to the scholars, Calderon delivered a message that resonated throughout the room.

“Every one of us, we are refined by that pressure, refined by fire. Know this: you are a diamond, and diamonds are formed under pressure, intense heat, and you’re going to come out bright and shiny. Come back here and shine and heal us because we need you desperately.”

She told the students that an entire community was rooting for them.

“When those moments of insecurity come– perhaps you fail an exam and begin to doubt yourself– remember, the blessings are in the suffering,” she said. “We will pray for you every step of the way. You are our answered prayers– the prayers of your families and of our communities.”

Building a Pipeline for the Future

Bakersfield College President Dr. Stacy Pfluger called the evening a milestone not only for the college, but for the entire region.

“This pathway starts here,” Pfluger told students. “We will walk alongside you every step of the way.”

Dr. Kevin Smith, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations at the Morehouse School of Medicine, noted that California ranks near the bottom nationally in the number of medical school seats available relative to its population.

“If we don’t do something,” Smith said, “we’re not going to have enough providers for you and your family.”

Smith explained that the Kern Promise covers tuition for students’ first two years at Bakersfield College. A $5,000 California HBCU Transfer Scholarship supports their transition to Atlanta, while philanthropic funding provides laptops and summer stipends.

He stressed that additional investment in the R2K program is still needed, but said the foundation for long-term change has been established.

Eight Scholars, One Community

The inaugural class includes Cindy Perez Duran, Emily Chavez, Samantha Guillen, Taya-Ruiz Martinez, Mason Moretti, Julianne Alba, LeoNah Denwood, and David Roman, who was unable to attend because of a family emergency but was recognized during the ceremony.

Each scholar received a ceremonial pin, recited an oath committing themselves to compassionate and ethical healthcare, and received a laptop and academic supplies to begin their studies.

As members of the inaugural cohort, the scholars hope to open doors for future generations.

Moretti, a graduate of Stockdale High School who plans to pursue orthopedic surgery, reflected on what the opportunity means to him.

“I will be the first doctor in my family,” Moretti said. “You really got to trust your intuition and go with your gut. Persevere because it’s all about you and the way you address adversity and hardships.”

The Promise of Return

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh challenged the scholars to embrace the program’s mission.

“We need you to return to Kern,” she said. “There are future patients in Kern County. You don’t know their names yet, and they don’t know yours. But they’re going to depend on you.”

Later, Smith drew loud applause from the audience with a promise that captured the spirit of the evening.

“We’re going to return your babies back to you as doctors,” he said.

For Denwood, that responsibility is deeply personal.

As the only Black scholar in the inaugural cohort, she hopes her path will inspire other young people—especially those who may never have imagined themselves wearing a white coat.

When asked whether she plans to come home after completing her training, her answer was immediate.

“Oh yes, I will.”