Supporting Professional Development

• By: VAFCC
• On: 05/13/2025 11:57:25
• In: News

Many of Virginia's free and charitable clinics work under tight budgets and other fiscal constraints, that often means no additional funding to cover the attendance of a staff member interested in professional development opportunities. That is why the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC) offers the Mel Leaman Scholarship. This professional development-focused scholarship makes it possible for member clinics to send staff to programs or events even if they lack the discretionary funds themselves to help cover the cost of attending.

The fund is how Kennya Alvarado, the Director of Clinical Services with Arlington Free Clinic, was able to attend the VAFCC's 2024 Annual Conference last November in Williamsburg. Along with several of her coworkers, Kennya applied and was awarded the Mel Leaman Scholarship, making it possible for her to take advantage of this professional development opportunity. An opportunity she found to be invaluable:

“Attending the conference allowed me to learn about diverse strategies, programs, and innovative solutions that other clinics have implemented. Hearing firsthand about their successes and lessons learned provided practical insights that I could bring back to the Arlington Free Clinic. These kinds of learning exchanges are incredibly meaningful, especially as we continue to navigate healthcare access and equity challenges. Additionally, the networking opportunities were a highlight—building relationships and forming partnerships with others in this field creates a vital support system that strengthens our collective impact.”

VAFCC has over 70 free and charitable clinics as members, and they all vary in size, resources, population served, and services provided. In such a diverse and evolving system, programs like the Mel Leaman Scholarship provide critical support to the staff of member clinics who are eager to further develop their professional skills and expertise. Based on her own experience as a recipient, Kennya was adamant that others should take advantage of this opportunity:

“The financial support removes a significant barrier, especially for smaller clinics or individuals who may not otherwise have access to professional development opportunities. The experience goes beyond traditional learning—it fosters community, promotes collaboration, and renews a sense of purpose. Attending the VAFCC's annual conference not only builds knowledge but also cultivates resilience and innovation by connecting individuals with a broader network of like-minded professionals.”

In much the same way, the VAFCC provides a wide variety of benefits to members not only to continue supporting excellence and high-quality care, but to build a resilient, flexible, and supportive healthcare safety net community that continuously works toward a Virginia where all people have access to comprehensive, quality healthcare.