ASH Scholarship Program

SAN DIEGO, CA (February 15, 2002) -- Students pursuing careers in various aspects of complementary health will be eligible for scholarships of up to $15,000 each through a "first of its kind" program announced today by American Specialty Health. Qualifying students are those studying chiropractic, dietetics, naturopathy, massage therapy or acupuncture at any accredited institution in the country. Up to five scholarships will be awarded annually, beginning this year.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to offer these scholarships which recognize academic excellence and enthusiasm towards complementary medicine," said George DeVries, chairman, president and chief executive officer of American Specialty Health. “This program helps broaden our commitment to education by providing financial assistance to those who will one day become our future leaders.”

The scholarships will be awarded based on criteria that include grade point average, completion of a written essay and demonstration of financial need. Consideration for the award will also include the student's participation in activities that promote their respective profession to both the health care community and the public their profession serves. Information and applications can be found at www.ashproviders.com.

"As home to two alternative health care colleges, Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and the College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Southern California University of Health Sciences is pleased to acknowledge the importance of the American Specialty Health scholarship program. Today's students are not limiting themselves to just a single specialty in order to remain competitive in an increasingly volatile marketplace. This scholarship should help some realize their dream of providing alternative health care services to a growing and appreciative public. We welcome ASH's scholarship program and know it will make a positive difference on the future of valued new practitioners." Reed B. Phillips, PhD, DC, President of Southern California University of Health Sciences.

American Specialty Health, Inc. and its subsidiaries (ASH) are a national carve-out specialty benefits company for complementary health care. ASH focuses on areas of complementary health care such as nutrition counseling, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, guided imagery and vitamins/minerals. ASH subsidiaries accept "down-stream risk" from health plans, HMOs and insurance companies on a "carved-out" basis related to claims and administrative costs. ASH is the largest specialty benefits company nationally for complementary health care. ASH was founded in 1987, has more than 550 employees and is based in San Diego.