ElevateMeD Celebrates 7th Anniversary & Announces 2026 Scholarship Award Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ElevateMeD Announces 2026-27 Scholars Program Cohort, Marking Program Expansion in 7th Year

PHOENIX, AZ—ElevateMeD, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting aspiring physicians, is proud to announce the 2026-27 Scholars Program cohort. This year's cohort of exceptional medical students represents 37 Scholars across our expanding Scholars Program, reflecting continued growth and expanded access nationwide.

As ElevateMeD enters its seventh year, the organization continues to evolve its Scholars Program through an expanded pathway model designed to increase access and deepen impact. This model creates a more connected system of support, engaging individuals from early exposure through medical training and into practice, while strengthening outcomes across mentorship, leadership development, and long-term career advancement.

“This cohort reflects both growth and momentum for ElevateMeD. As we continue to expand access and strengthen our programming, we are building a continuum that supports future physician leaders at every stage of their journey.”

— - Jeffrey Armstrong, ElevateMeD Executive Director

The ElevateMeD Scholars Program provides each selected student with:

• Scholarships to supplement educational costs with the 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 physician leaders equipped to address healthcare challenges, while expanding access to careers in medicine and strengthening the future of healthcare.

ElevateMeD envisions a future where the physician workforce better reflects the communities it serves, leading to more effective healthcare for all. Research shows that a representative physician workforce is associated with improved patient outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and enhanced quality of care.

The 2026 ElevateMeD Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process that considered academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

ElevateMeD Nexus Pathway:

• Abrianne Joseph attends USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

• Ashley Nmoh attends Duke University School of Medicine

• Chioma Aneke attends The Ohio State University College of Medicine

• Desai Oula attends University of Maryland School of Medicine

• Fatumastar Adan attends University of Minnesota Medical School

• Gabriel Ekene Agu attends Emory University School of Medicine

• GaResia Woods attends Meharry Medical College

• Jasmin Gillespie attends Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - North Georgia

• Ross Ogden attends University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Kambrea Soltero attends University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix

• Koryon Williams attends Wayne State University School of Medicine

• Magan Fosso attends UT Southwestern Medical Center

• Marc Hill attends Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

• Mariah Taylor attends A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine

• Mariamu Osumah attends University of California, Riverside

• Mariela Vega attends Florida State University College of Medicine

• Nneoma Uzoukwu attends Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

• Samuel Ogunbode attends William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Talaya Jones attends Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Yezan Hassan attends Creighton University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Connect Pathway:

• Andrew Adeyiga attends University of Central Florida College of Medicine

• Blessing Atanmo attends University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix

• Brittney Moncrieffe attends SUNY Downstate College of Medicine

• Bryant Lewis attends Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

• Clarence Armstrong III attends Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

• David Silva attends Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

• Elianna Sanchez attends New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Florence Kang attends New York Institute of Technology - Jonesboro

• Gabrielle Dickerson attends University of Maryland School of Medicine

• Ifeyinwa Ogu attends Emory University School of Medicine

• Kristie Nonyelu attends University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix

• MacKenzie Toliver attends Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Micaela Gladney attends Morehouse School of Medicine

• Morcquess Oliphant attends Morehouse School of Medicine

• Reyonna Maloney attends Morehouse School of Medicine

• Shaday Robitaille attends Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Yaseen Elhag attends Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

“A physician workforce that reflects the communities it serves is essential to delivering care that is effective, trusted, and responsive to patient needs. When patients see themselves in their providers, it strengthens connections, improves communication, and leads to better outcomes. I am honored to welcome the 2026–27 cohort of Scholars whose leadership, talent, and dedication will help shape the future of medicine.”

— Dr. Tiffany Hardaway, ElevateMeD Scholarship Chair

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 medicine by providing scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and financial literacy education to the next generation of physician leaders. Through our Scholars Program, we aim to expand access to careers in medicine while preparing physicians to effectively serve and lead in communities across the country. For more information, visit elevatemed.org and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook @elevatemedinc. View the 2025 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 19, 2026 at The Camby Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.

• Learn more ways to get involved.

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