Recap: Ignite Chicago 2025 Scholarship Event
ElevateMeD Ignites Chicago
at the annual meeting of the National Medical Association
On Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the Untitled Supper Club in Chicago, ElevateMeD was hosted by PNC Bank and the Thomas J. Blocker Society in support of our Scholars Program. Joined by nearly 100 physicians and individuals dedicated to equity in healthcare, we were able to highlight the success of our holistic program addressing challenges in representation in medicine from scholarships to mentorship and leadership development. The intimate and exquisite setting, set the perfect tone to share the work of ElevateMeD and grow our network.
Our first Ignite Chicago event featured the following highlights:
Gyasi C. Chisley, Managing Director & Head of Corporate Healthcare of PNC Healthcare served as our host for the evening.
Dr. Vandy Gaffney II, President of the Thomas J. Blocker Society stressed the importance of why representation in medicine is critical to achieving equitable outcomes for the younger generation in their career development and in our communities for their health.
Rubin Pusha III, Hall Render Shareholder Attorney welcomed everyone to the event and shared Hall Render’s commitment to health equity.
Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, Founder and Board Chair shared the mission, vision, and impact of ElevateMeD.
Jeffrey Armstrong, ElevateMeD Executive Director highlighted the meaningful impact of mentorship in his life and the need for the ElevateMeD community to grow to further support our Scholars.
Dr. D’Andrew Gursay, 2022-23 ElevateMeD Scholar delivered a keynote highlighting the critical role ElevateMeD played in his matriculation in medical school and now in his 3rd year of Orthopedic Surgery residency. He urged all in attendance to support ElevateMeD and shared how meaningful it is for him to now serve as a mentor to a future ElevateMeD Scholar.
Special Thanks
Thanks to PNC Healthcare, Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, and the Thomas J. Blocker Society who hosted this mixer event, for those attending NMA, in support of #ElevateMeD.
A Purposeful Gathering
While Ignite Chicago was a time to connect and be inspired, it was also an opportunity to support ElevateMeD’s vital work. If you did not get an opportunity to give this year, we invite you to join us in helping us reach our goal of $20,000, which will fund two scholarships for talented and deserving medical students. Your support—at any level—will have a lasting impact on the future of healthcare and health equity.
Ways to support ElevateMeD:
Invest your time. Volunteer as a Physician Mentor or on our Advisory Board.
Invest your dollars. Give at give.elevatemed.org. If you have already given, see if your employer will match your donation.
Shop & Give. Sport ElevateMeD merchandise available at shop.elevatemed.org.
Share. Get involved and help us grow our nationwide footprint by spreading awareness.
Save the date
We are preparing for our signature Fall fundraiser, Explosion of A Dream 2025: Nothing Is Impossible, on September 20, 2025, at The Camby in Phoenix, Arizona!
Sponsorship opportunities currently available at sponsor.elevatemed.org.
Ticket sales open on August 1, 2025.
PLEASE ENJOY THE OFFICIAL RECAP OF OUR EVENT.
On behalf of the 90 ElevateMeD Scholars and our committed Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and program team we are grateful for your continuous support in elevating the field of medicine!
