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Scholars Seminars

Although AHEC Scholars are spread across Montana, and often have conflicting clinical and academic schedules, we host monthly seminars together over Zoom. Our goal with the seminars is to interact with each other in a meaningful way around one of the AHEC core topic areas.

Each seminar is recorded and uploaded to the Online Platform to make them available to those unable to attend live. During the seminar, a presentation or case study is presented along with a set of questions, and attendees are put into interdisciplinary breakout rooms for discussion. Students report they find these meetings informative and really enjoy the opportunity to interact with each other. Make sure to mark you calendars for the following dates! 

Spring 2026 Seminars

January

Breaking the Cycle: The Science & Stigma of SUD
Wednesday, January 28th | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Barbs Schott, MSW - Senior Staff for IBH & SUD, Montana Primary Care Association

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Description: To provide effective support to Substance Use Disorder (SUD), we must understand the "why" behind the behavior. Join us for a streamlined look into the mechanics of addiction and the barriers to recovery. We’ll move past myths and dive into the clinical realities of how the brain heals.

Key Discussion Points:

  • The Rewired Brain: How neurobiology drives behavioral patterns and the cycle of use.

  • The Stigma Barrier: How societal judgment hinders treatment and how to shift the narrative.

  • Modern Solutions: The role of MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) in stabilizing long-term recovery.

February

Navigating Health Insurance& Its Impact on Patient Care
Wednesday, February 18th | 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Kathryn J. Strohbach, JD, MSW - Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer

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Description: This presentation will introduce key concepts for choosing and using health insurance. Topics include common insurance terms, consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act, how to evaluate costs and compare plans, manage bills, and recent changes to the U.S. health care system following the passage of H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act. Community Health Workers who attend will be better equipped to help patients make informed decisions and control costs when accessing health care.

Presenter Bio: Kathryn J. Strobach, JD, MSW, is a Staff Attorney at Triage Cancer, where she provides education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. Before joining Triage Cancer, Kathryn was the Director of Investigations for Disability Rights Florida. In that position, she led an interdisciplinary team that focused on addressing abuse, neglect, and rights violations against people with disabilities residing in institutional settings. Other experience includes working as an Assistant Public Defender in the Trial and Appellate Divisions for the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, and as a Litigation Support and Appellate Attorney for Dutton Law Group. Kathryn is a member of the Florida and Wisconsin Bars.

March

Title Coming Soon
Thursday, March 5th | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
University of Washington School of Dentistry

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AHEC Scholars Calendar

We have a variety of events offered to our AHEC Scholars. Make sure to check back to the AHEC Scholar calendar to learn about upcoming events! 

All events included in the calendar below have been approved for AHEC Scholars hours.
Click the event title for more information about the event and which AHEC Scholars Core Topic Area the event covers. After the event, make sure to fill out the appropriate "Submit Activity for Hours" on the online platform  to receive your hours.