ElevateMeD Scholar: Jerry Shepherd

Meet Jerry Shepherd

ElevateMeD Scholar 2025-26

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.

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Medical Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Education: Miami University in Biology
Current Career Plan: Pursue a residency in neurosurgery by developing a strong academic profile and continuing my efforts to inspire the youth that their goals are achievable.
Specialty Interest: Neurosurgery
I am most proud of being able to represent my family on this journey. Everything I’ve achieved is rooted in their unwavering support, sacrifices, and belief in me. As I move forward in medicine, I carry their hopes, values, and strength with me. It means the world to know that my path honors where I come from and paves the way for those who come after me.
You might be surprised to know that I'm a big fan of the arts, in particular musical theater, and like take advantage of Playhouse Square (the 2nd largest theater district behind Broadway) located in Cleveland, Ohio, to see shows when they come into town.
ElevateMeD is… the representation of a powerful commitment to equity and excellence in medicine. It means being a part of a community that supports by investing in my growth as a scholar and leader. This program affirms that my background is a strength, not a barrier, and provides the tools to turn that strength into impact.

Other ElevateMeD Scholars

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News Spotlights

Scholar Spotlights

News

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Jerry Shepherd

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

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

ElevateMeD Scholar: Elizette Rodriguez

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

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.

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic 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

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.

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