Paige Morrow has had a goal of a career in the medical field for as long as she can remember. Now a junior at Lewis-Clark State College, she is taking steps toward fulfilling that dream.

Morrow, who is majoring in radiology, is a recipient of a scholarship funded by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. The scholarships are awarded to deserving students pursuing healthcare-related fields at LC State. Idaho has a shortage of healthcare workers, especially in rural areas.

Morrow attended Clearwater Valley High School in Kooskia and graduated with 56 college credits, which enabled her to have most general education requirements completed before she enrolled at LC State. She is expecting to graduate in May 2024.

“When exploring my options for a major, I became fascinated with looking at diagnostic images,” Morrow said. “Radiology is the perfect combination of science and technology while being able to help the people in my community.”

Morrow grew up in a rural area outside of Clearwater and began her career in healthcare when she became a certified nursing assistant. She worked part-time in that role.

“It gave me the opportunity to feel more empathetic toward my patients and understand what they may face,” she said. “Being a CNA taught me the foundation of patient care.”

Erin Price-Smith is a longtime family friend and was her counselor in high school who helped Morrow chart her course load to maximize credits. Price-Smith considers her a role model for her two young daughters.

“Her capacity to learn and grow will help her hone her craft, and she will absolutely excel,” Price-Smith said. “I’m proud to be able to say she was ‘one of my kids’ from school. Paige is the type of person I hope to raise my daughters to be.”

Learning is something that motivates Morrow, and she hopes to find employment as a small hospital. She would like to stay close to home, if possible.

“I enjoy going into a career that gives me the opportunity to learn every day,” she said. “I enjoy smaller facilities because there is more of an opportunity to get to know the people around you. Growing up in a rural area has made me appreciate Idaho and all it has to offer.”

Price-Smith has no doubt that Morrow will be great in that setting.

“Paige’s background growing up in a small town has given her an understanding of the great impact she can make as a result of working in a small hospital,” she said. “Her friendly demeanor and ability to get along with people will help her interact with whoever she encounters.

“Paige is really good at looking at things from a different perspective. This is important in navigating a world that can be too quick to judge. I know that Paige will be an excellent radiologist as a result of her caring and compassion. She’s incredibly smart and will perform any and all tasks to the best of her ability. She works to make true connections with people and wants to help however she can.”