ElevateMeD Celebrates 6th Anniversary & Announces 2025 Scholarship Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ElevateMeD Announces 2025 Scholarship Award Winners, Continuing Commitment to Supporting Future Physician Leaders
PHOENIX, AZ—ElevateMeD, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting aspiring physicians, is proud to announce the 2025-26 Scholars Program cohort. This year's cohort of exceptional medical students represents the future of medicine and embodies the organization's commitment to fostering a healthcare landscape that assures equitable health outcomes for all. This announcement also marks the sixth anniversary of ElevateMeD and its ongoing dedication to supporting future physician leaders.
“We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of scholars. These students have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to serving their communities. They are the future of medicine, and we are honored to support them on their journey. Now, more than ever, we must invest in the next generation of physician leaders who are poised to elevate medicine to an ideal where we can achieve equitable health outcomes for all. Through our scholarship support and holistic programming, ElevateMeD is emerging as the most comprehensive pathway program in the United States.”
The ElevateMeD Scholars Program provides each selected student with:
Scholarships to supplement funding their education with a goal of reducing medical school debt burden.
Personal physician mentorship for career guidance.
Leadership development and executive coaching opportunities to cultivate essential skills.
Financial literacy education to reduce barriers and promote long-term financial well-being.
Access to a supportive network of peers and professionals.
This holistic approach addresses the financial barriers to medical education and cultivates competent physician leaders equipped to reduce healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.
ElevateMeD envisions a future where the physician workforce mirrors the nation’s population, leading to more effective healthcare for all. In fact, according to recent data, a representative and well-rounded physician workforce improves patient outcomes, increases patient satisfaction, and enhances the quality of care.
The 2025 ElevateMeD Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process that considered academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service.
Adam Brown attends Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Adurape Osunjimi attends UT Southwestern Medical School
Aly Toure attends Emory University School of Medicine
Annie Ferguson attends University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Ariel Walker attends Wayne State University School of Medicine
Chikodi Ohaya attends University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Czarina Retana attends University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Dante Puntiel attends Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Elizette Rodriguez attends Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Godgive Umozurike attends East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Isaiah Hughes attends Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Jada Lusk attends Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Jerry Shepherd attends Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Jessica Norman attends University of Illinois College of Medicine
Keleb Mehari attends Howard University College of Medicine
Melba Avalos attends New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Naomi Coles attends Morehouse School of Medicine
Ruth Amaku attends University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Shane Scott attends The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Shelby Snyder attends University of Washington School of Medicine
“A healthcare workforce that reflects communities served is essential for delivering equitable, effective, and compassionate care to all patients. In addition, a diverse workforce brings varied perspectives to problem-solving and innovation, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. I am extremely excited about the 2025–26 cohort of scholars who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact as the next generation of physician leaders.”
ElevateMeD remains dedicated to its mission of elevating medicine and strengthening the healthcare system. Through its programs and initiatives, the organization is making a tangible difference in the lives of aspiring physicians and the communities they will serve.
ABOUT ELEVATEMED:
ElevateMeD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to elevating the field of medicine by providing scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and financial management education to future physicians. The organization's innovative Scholars Program is designed to increase physician workforce diversity and improve cultural competence among physicians, with the ultimate goal of reducing health disparities. For more information, visit elevatemed.org and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @elevatemedinc. View the 2024 Impact Report at impact.elevatemed.org.
Support ElevateMeD:
Give at give.elevatemed.org.
Sponsor and attend Explosion of a Dream, the annual scholarship fundraiser event, held on September 20, 2025 at The Camby Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.
Learn more ways to get involved.
