ElevateMeD 2025 Impact

Evolve to change or develop slowly, often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state.

“While the evolution of ElevateMeD has led to new opportunities, the influence of our Scholars remains the steady, unwavering force behind the success of ElevateMeD. Supporting these leaders impacts communities and six years in, nothing pleases me more than to celebrate their success. We now have mentors and donors that were part of our first two cohorts of Scholars, manifesting the full circle of the ElevateMeD promise of sustainability. ElevateMeD continues to be the light we desire in our world and as we evolve, we are committed to standing together.”

— Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, ElevateMeD Founder (page 4)

IMPACT REPORT

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.

Featured

The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation commits to ElevateMeD

Oct 9, 2025

The Camby

The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation commits to ElevateMeD

Oct 9, 2025

The Camby

Lisa Cagnolatti, on behalf of her husband Ed and The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation, underscored the urgent need for culturally competent care and the critical importance of supporting ElevateMeD’s mission.

Oct 9, 2025

The Camby

Explosion of a Dream 2025: Scholars Summit

Sep 23, 2025

The Camby

Explosion of a Dream 2025: Scholars Summit

Sep 23, 2025

The Camby

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.

Sep 23, 2025

The Camby

ElevateMeD Awards a Trailblazer Award to Marion Kelly

Sep 8, 2025

The Camby

ElevateMeD Awards a Trailblazer Award to Marion Kelly

Sep 8, 2025

The Camby

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.

Sep 8, 2025

The Camby

ElevateMeD Awards 2025 Breaking Barriers Award to Dr. Victor Waters

Sep 5, 2025

The Camby

ElevateMeD Awards 2025 Breaking Barriers Award to Dr. Victor Waters

Sep 5, 2025

The Camby

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.

Sep 5, 2025

The Camby

Aug 30, 2025

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Talk: Cracking the Match

Aug 30, 2025

ElevateMeD

MODERATOR: Dr. Casey Martinez

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

Aug 30, 2025

ElevateMeD

Mar 25, 2025

The Piedmont Room

ElevateMeD Awards 2025 Trailblazer Award to Judge Glenda Hatchett

Mar 25, 2025

The Piedmont Room

ElevateMeD presents its fourth Trailblazer Award to Judge Glenda Hatchett at its Ignite Atlanta fundraising event, on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the Piedmont Room in Atlanta, Georgia. Table and ticket sales available until April 18, 2025 at ignite.elevatemed.org.

Mar 25, 2025

The Piedmont Room

Annual Reports, FeaturesElevateMeDJanuary 30, 2026ElevateMeDElevateMeD Quick Links, impact in medicine, impact in physician workforce diversity, Annual Report

News Spotlights

Scholar Spotlights

News

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

ElevateMeD Scholar: Jada Lusk

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

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.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Jerry Shepherd

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

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.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

UT Southwestern Medical School

ElevateMeD Scholar: Adurape Osunjimi

UT Southwestern Medical School

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.

UT Southwestern Medical School

University of Washington School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Shelby Snyder

University of Washington School of Medicine

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.

University of Washington School of Medicine

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

ElevateMeD Scholar: Annie Ferguson

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

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!

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

ElevateMeD Scholar: Isaiah Hughes

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

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

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Dante Puntiel

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

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.

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

ElevateMeD Scholar: Czarina Retana

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

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.

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

ElevateMeD Scholar: Chikodi Ohaya

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

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.

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Adam Brown

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

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.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Donor Spotlights

News

Strengthening the ElevateMeD Scholars Program Through Partnership

Dr. David and Betty Gullen are dedicated supporters of ElevateMeD whose partnership plays a critical role in strengthening the foundation of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program.

The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation commits to ElevateMeD

The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation Partners with ElevateMeD

What does The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and #ElevateMeD have in common? A commitment to HEALTH EQUITY!

"The Many" of Mayo Clinic

Watch remarks from Mayo Clinic CEO in Arizona, Dr. Richard Gray shared remarks this year and was introduced by 2024-25 ElevateMeD Scholar and 4th year Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine medical student, Casey Martinez.

How Student Organizations Like @OhioAMSA Help Support ElevateMeD

Student organizations like Ohio University American Medical Student Association help us engage bright minds and expand our reach. These organizations are filled with future physicians who will become leaders, thinkers, and doers. We must not only look for ways to partner with these student organizations but also continue to encourage and support them along their physician journey.

Why Council & Associates Gives.

Each year since 2019, Council and Associates LLC has risen to the occasion to become an event sponsor for our Explosion of a Dream and Ignite Atlanta scholarship events. We asked owner, Lashonda Council-Rogers, Esq., to share the why behind her generous giving and to give a view of what she experiences attending ElevateMeD events as a sponsor.

Walton Isaacson Helps ElevateMeD Support The Future of Medicine

Founded in 2006, Walton Isaacson is one of the most respected advertising agencies in the world, having worked with clients such as Lexus, McDonalds, and Amazon to name a few.

Love, Tito’s Continues Support of ElevateMeD Mission During Black History Month

Thank you #LoveTitos for continuing to support our mission and acknowledging the work that we are doing to elevate the field of medicine!

All Medical Personnel donates over $43,000 to ElevateMeD

All Medical Personnel’s partnership with ElevateMeD continues with a generous donation of $43,000 in 2022. In 2021, $52,647 was raised totaling over $95,000 for the past two years.

Bayless Commitment to Mental Health Scholarship

As part of a two-year pledge to ElevateMeD, this special scholarship is awarded to ElevateMeD Scholars who present a desire to pursue a medical career that will impact mental health in communities of color.

RICARDO CORREA, MD, EDD, FACP, FACE, FACMQ

Health Care Disparities and the Latinx Population (Read Article)

MARISSA VASQUEZ, MD, MBA

Latinas in Motion Impacting the Sports Industry (Read Article)

News

ElevateMeD

Passion Proven Leadership at ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD

Jeff joined ElevateMeD in February 2025 from Columbia, South Carolina bringing infectious passion, proven leadership, and decades of successful nonprofit leadership.

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Three New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Four New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Our Newest Board Member Dr. Jeshenna Watkins

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member…

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD Welcomes Four New Advisory Board Members

ElevateMeD

Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…

ElevateMeD

Keiona Eady

Congratulations to our Advisory Board Members on #Match2022!

Keiona Eady

Congratulations are in order for our Advisory Board Members Sophia Ederaine and Johanny Lopez Dominguez! We were honored to celebrate with them this #MatchDay2022, as they both learned about their residency upon graduation this Spring!

Keiona Eady

Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN

Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey Receives the 2020 Dean's Diversity/Inclusion Award at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

It was not easy for me

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

I decided to join the Board of Directors for ElevateMeD because it aligns with my core value of inclusion. The literature showed that to provide the best healthcare to our patients, we need to understand their culture, speak their language, among other factors.

Ricardo Correa MD, EsD, FACP, FACE, CMQ

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

The time to transform healthcare is now!

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

Healthcare is my ministry. It is a calling and my inroad to impact social change. I firmly believe that any disparity within our industry serves as a microcosm for injustices that continue to plague society-at-large. I am on a mission to truly transform healthcare and looking to partner with anyone that shares the same mindset.

Gyasi Chisley, PMP, FACHE

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

You can't be what you can't see.

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS

I chose to pursue a career in anesthesiology because I enjoy moment-to-moment decision making as well as the practical application of physiology and pharmacology. 3% of anesthesiologists are reported to identify as Black/African-American. Of those 3%, the majority are women.

Tiffany Hardaway MD, MS