News

ElevateMeD Announcements and Updates

ElevateMeD Scholar: Shane Scott

Shane Scott has seen the effects of delayed healthcare and delayed diagnosis, and is inspired to become part of the solution.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Jada Lusk

Jada Lusk first became interested in medicine through her own personal medical history. Now, she is passionate about providing the same level of compassionate care she received.

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ElevateMeD 2025 Impact

Our 2025 Impact Report reflects a year defined by growth, momentum, and expanded pathways across the journey to becoming a physician. From program expansion to deeper engagement with Scholars and partners, this report highlights how ElevateMeD continues to evolve to meet the needs of future physician leaders.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Jerry Shepherd

Jerry Shepherd was introduced to the endless possibilities of medicine when he suffered from neuroinflammation as a pediatric patient. This personal experience has inspired Jerry to become a neurosurgeon and to inspire youth in his community.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Adurape Osunjimi

Adurape "Ayo" Osunjimi shares the stories that inspired him to pursue a career in medicine, experiences that shed light on the real-life financial barriers that impact access to care, and plans to mitigate these challenges by providing resources and compassionate care.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Shelby Snyder

Shelby Snyder was inspired to pursue medicine by watching her father integrate cultural knowledge with Western medicine. She now aspires to embody that same spirit as a future provider, serving Native communities as an uplifting and empowering presence.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Annie Ferguson

Annie Ferguson chose a career in medicine to help bridge healthcare gaps in communities where cultural competency is rare. Her passion for creating positive change and inspiring young women to pursue medicine continues to light the way toward a brighter, more inclusive future!

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Isaiah Hughes

Isaiah Hughes shares how growing up in an underserved community with deep-rooted mistrust toward the healthcare system inspires his pursuits in medicine.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Dante Puntiel

Dante Puntiel shares the devastating outcomes that underserved communities face when they lack access to preventative care and how it fuels his determination to advocate for them and make a difference.

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Explosion of a Dream 2025: Scholars Summit

This year’s Scholars Summit convened our newest ElevateMeD Scholars alongside alumni-physicians for a high-impact experience focused on leadership, wellness, advocacy, financial readiness, and community engagement. Across three days, Scholars learned from physician leaders, corporate partners, and facilitators; strengthened their professional narratives; and built lasting connections with mentors, board members, children and parents from underserved communities, and each other.

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Recap: Explosion of a Dream 2025 Annual Scholarship Event

The 2025 Explosion of a Dream weekend (September 19-21) featured our fifth annual Scholars Summit and our seventh signature fundraising event, Explosion of a Dream in support of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program. Guests and ElevateMeD Scholars gathered from across the country for the second year in a row at the Camby Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona!

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Czarina Retana

Czarina Retana's journey to medicine was faced by many hardships in her community, ranging from economic challenges to lack of equal care. This developed her commitment to serve and desire to be present for patients during their most difficult moments by providing compassion and an open ear.

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ElevateMeD Awards a Trailblazer Award to Marion Kelly

ElevateMeD presents its fifth Trailblazer Award to Mr. Marion Kelly at its Explosion of a Dream fundraising event, on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at The Camby in Phoenix, Arizona. Table and ticket sales available until September 12, 2025 at dream.elevatemed.org.

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ElevateMeD Awards 2025 Breaking Barriers Award to Dr. Victor Waters

ElevateMeD presents its fifth Breaking Barriers Award to Dr. Victor Waters at its Explosion of a Dream fundraising event, on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at The Camby in Phoenix, Arizona. Table and ticket sales available until September 12, 2025 at dream.elevatemed.org.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Chikodi Ohaya

Chikodi Ohaya is inspired by her mother's acts of kindness and her resilience and how dermatology serves as an avenue for change in burn care across community, clinics, and classrooms.

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ElevateMeD Talk: Cracking the Match

MODERATOR: Dr. Casey Martinez

PANELISTS: Dr. Adam Milam, Dr. Heather Burrows, Dr. Lynn Smitherman

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Adam Brown

Adam Brown discovered medicine as a transformative force, shaping every aspect of his life through the mission of serving others in need. With that force came the honor of stepping into a leadership role within his community.

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ElevateMeD Scholar: Elizette Rodriguez

Elizette Rodriguez discovered her passion for OB/GYN from the first time she stepped into the delivery room. The power of supporting a woman in her most vulnerable and meaningful moments has assured Elizette of the lasting impact she can make.

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