CHI Saint Joseph Health Academic and Faculty Affairs

Saint Joseph Health’s Humankindness Scholars Program aims to attract, educate and retain exceptional health care workers by providing educational scholarships. Offering a multitude of benefits, the program equips students with specialized knowledge and skills essential for careers in health care. It provides hands-on experience through clinical rotations, internships and research opportunities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and facilitating a variety of scholarships to assist with continued education.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible to receive this scholarship, applicants must:

• Plan to pursue a degree in a health care-related field (e.g., nursing, radiology). 
• Have current or pending acceptance to, or enrollment in, a participating nursing or radiology program; pre-acceptance applications can be submitted.
• Have and maintain a competitive GPA. 
• Be willing and eligible to work at a Saint Joseph Health facility for the required commitment period following graduation.

Application Details

Students and prospective students can apply in three easy steps. The application deadline is three months prior to the start of the semester for which you are applying. Please review scholarship terms and conditions before applying.

• Apply to school/university and get accepted into the participating program.
• Application will be reviewed by our committee and notification of acceptance will be sent to you prior to the start of the semester.
• Complete your scholarship year and reapply annually.

View the program flyer for details to apply. For questions or additional information, contact Michelle Sears, Academic Liaison, Clinical Education at michelle.sears@commonspirit.org.

The Pharmacy at Saint Joseph Hospital offers both PGY1 Pharmacy and PGY2 Critical Care Residency training program opportunities. Our residency programs provide comprehensive, hands-on, patient-centered care training designed to develop clinical expertise and leadership skills. Residents have opportunities to gain experience across diverse practice areas, focus on professional growth, and be prepared for the next steps in their pharmacy careers in any pharmacy practice setting.

PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program 2025 Brochure

PGY1 Residency Program Director Contact Information:

Kevin Poe, PharmD, BCPS
Manager, Clinical Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency Program Director
Saint Joseph Hospital
One Saint Joseph Drive
Lexington , KY 40504
Phone: 859.313.2181
Email: kevin.poe@commonspirit.org

PGY2 Critical Care Residency Program 2025 Brochure

PGY2 Residency Program Director Contact Information:

Shawn King, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Cardiology/Cardiovascular Surgery
PGY2 Critical Care Residency Program Director
Saint Joseph Hospital
One Saint Joseph Drive
Lexington , KY 40504
Phone: 859.313.7651
Email: Shawn.King@CommonSpirit.org

How To Apply:

The Saint Joseph Hospital PGY1 and PGY2 Residency Programs will accept residency applications through ASHP’s Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS).

Download the Saint Joseph Hospital Residency Program Application Form here.

Candidates must upload the following items to the PhORCAS website:

1. Personal Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Completed Saint Joseph Residency Program Application
4. Academic Transcripts
5. Any other content requested by PhORCAS

Residency Application Deadline:  January 2nd

The Saint Joseph Health Foundations offer academic scholarships for students pursuing health care careers, funded by generous employees and donors. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 for those studying nursing, allied health, medical fields or health care management. 

The following medical, nursing and allied health scholarships are offered to graduating high school seniors and secondary and post-secondary students in central Kentucky. For scholarships specific to Flaget Memorial Hospital or Saint Joseph London, please see below.

Scholarships for graduating seniors

John R. Gaines Scholarship for Medical Excellence

Established in 2005, this scholarship honors John R. Gaines, a visionary horseman, philanthropist and founder of the Breeders' Cup. He played a key role in creating the Kentucky Horse Park, the Maxwell H. Gluck Center for Equine Research and the National Thoroughbred Association. His generosity also supported Holy Spirit Catholic Parish at the Newman Center and other educational initiatives.

With the support of his wife, Joan, family and friends, the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation created the John R. Gaines Scholarship to assist students pursuing medical degrees. This competitive $2,500 scholarship supports students in various medical programs and helps Saint Joseph Health employees enhance their credentials.

Robert & Donna Hewett Scholarship

Robert Hewett, the longest-serving board chair in Saint Joseph Health’s history, and his wife, Donna, established this scholarship through a generous gift in 2008. This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a nursing degree.

Joseph K. Ford Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

This scholarship honors Joseph K. Ford’s commitment to Catholic values and service. A co-founder of the Dean, Dorton & Ford accounting firm, he played a key role in its success and dedicated years to Catholic education. He chaired Lexington Catholic High School’s board of directors and helped strengthen its financial and athletic programs.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Lexington Catholic High School pursuing a career in allied health, nursing or public service.

Sr. Michael Leo Nursing Scholarship

Established in 2020, this scholarship honors Sr. Michael Leo Mullaney for her leadership at Saint Joseph Hospital. During her 22-year tenure, she eliminated the hospital’s $1 million debt, modernized operations, expanded services and introduced innovations like the first physician-staffed ER and cardiac intensive care unit in central Kentucky.

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to first- or second-year nursing students.

Scholarships for secondary and post-secondary students

John R. Gaines Scholarship for Medical Excellence

Established in 2005, this scholarship honors John R. Gaines, a visionary horseman, philanthropist and founder of the Breeders' Cup. He played a key role in creating the Kentucky Horse Park, the Maxwell H. Gluck Center for Equine Research and the National Thoroughbred Association. His generosity also supported Holy Spirit Catholic Parish at the Newman Center and other educational initiatives.

With the support of John’s wife, Joan, his family and friends, the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation established the John R. Gaines Scholarship. The Gaines Medical Excellence Program provides annual funding for candidates seeking various medical program degrees, while supporting clinical and educational opportunities that advance credentials for Saint Joseph Health employees. The competitive scholarship in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded to (a) qualified applicant(s) seeking a degree in the medical field.

Phyllis Cronin Nursing Scholarship

Created in 2003, this scholarship honors Phyllis Cronin’s dedication to Saint Joseph Hospital. A charter member of the Foundation Board of Directors, she served as president of both the Foundation and the STARS Committee and founded the Patient Financial Assistance Fund.

This $2,500 scholarship supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who have demonstrated strong potential in the field.

Larry & Casey Schumacher Nursing Scholarship

Established in 2023, this scholarship recognizes the careers of Larry and Casey Schumacher, both registered nurses. Larry dedicated over two decades to Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), now part of CommonSpirit Health.

This $1,000 scholarship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing nursing credentials to serve within CommonSpirit Health.

Robert & Donna Hewett Scholarship

Robert Hewett was the longest serving board chair in Saint Joseph Health’s history. Together with his wife, Donna, they established the Robert and Donna Hewett Nursing Endowment through a generous gift to the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation in 2008.

This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to individuals who wish to obtain a nursing degree.

Sr. Liz Wendeln Scholarship

Sr. Liz Wendeln was a servant leader dedicated to health care and social justice. She served as president of the Sisters of Nazareth, chaired the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Health System Board and was a board member of KentuckyOne Health.

In her honor, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in nursing or allied health.

Application details:

These scholarships support students committed to making a difference in health care. If you're passionate about serving others, apply today.

• Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 10, 2026. 
  
• Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 
  
• Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university and two typed recommendation letters.
  

How to apply:

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas
Saint Joseph Health Foundations
1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D502
Lexington, KY 40504
Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org 

Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarships

The following scholarships are open to students in Nelson County:

Scholarships for graduating seniors

Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship

Lily Brooke Smith was passionate about health care and dreamed of becoming a nurse, dedicating her time to the health sciences program in Nelson County. Tragically, she passed away in a car accident in January 2024. In her honor, the Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation created the Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship. 

This $5,000 scholarship is open to high school students in Nelson County and students in the ATC program.

Application details:

• Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 10, 2026. 
  
• Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 
  
• Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university and two typed recommendation letters.
  

Scholarships for secondary and post-secondary students

Bruce Klockars Scholarship

Established in 2011 by hospital employees, the Bruce A. Klockars Employee Scholarship Fund honors Mr. Klockars for his years of service and supports the development of future health care professionals at Flaget Memorial Hospital. This scholarship is awarded to caregivers who demonstrate strong career potential and a commitment to academic and professional success, helping advance their training and careers.

Up to two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to secondary students pursuing a bachelor's degree in health care management or business administration.

Sherri and Russell Craig Scholarship

Created in memory of Stephen L. Craig, this scholarship was established in 2008 to support future nurses and allied health professionals, helping improve patient care.

A competitive $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or an allied health field.

Application details:

• Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 10, 2026.
  
• Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field.
  
• Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university and two typed recommendation letters.
  

How to apply:

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas
Saint Joseph Health Foundations
1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D502
Lexington, KY 40504
Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org 

Flaget Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

The Flaget Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is awarding five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Nelson County who plan to pursue a degree in the medical field.

Application details:

• Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 10, 2026.
  

• Eligibility criteria: This program is available to graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field.
  
• Application requirements: Applications must include a 100-word essay, two typed recommendation letters, a copy of your high school (9-12 grades) transcript, a copy of the letter verifying your acceptance to a college/school and your college/school student ID number.
  

How to apply:

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail to:

Bonnie Cecil
Scholarship Chairperson
56 Mill Creek Lane
Bardstown, KY 40004

Saint Joseph London Foundation Scholarships

The Patti Mink Scholarship Endowment supports nursing and allied health students in the London area, honoring the legacy of Patti Mink, a respected leader who served as director of pharmacy at Saint Joseph London for 34 years. Her lasting impact on health care continues through this permanent endowment, which helps educate future health professionals.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in nursing or allied health.

Application details:

• Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 10, 2026. 
  
• Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 
  
• Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university, and two typed recommendation letters.

   

How to apply:

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas
Saint Joseph Health Foundations
1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D502
Lexington, KY 40504
Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org 

We are dedicated to supporting our team members, leaders and the community by providing world-class training, development and accountability. Through continuous growth and excellence, we strive to make a meaningful impact—both in the lives of those we serve and those who serve alongside us.