ElevateMeD Announcements and Updates
In my professional life, I am frequently the only black person in the room. The exam room, the workroom, the conference room, the coffee room, and the lecture room. I’ve become accustomed to the heaviness of this fact though never forget that I am in these spaces because of the sacrifices of others before me.
This letter touched me and forced me to remember…
Launched on May 13, 2019, ElevateMeD s 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. This announcement also marks the seventh anniversary of ElevateMeD and its ongoing dedication to supporting future physician leaders.
Aly Toure was shaped by his upbringing in Mali, where he witnessed family members struggle with treatable conditions due to limited healthcare infrastructure.
Naomi Coles was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing loved ones battle illnesses like cancer and heart disease. These experiences opened her eyes to the importance of access, awareness, and quality care across communities.
Godgive Umozurike reflects on the power of names and how hers was misunderstood by others. But through witnessing her mother’s struggle during a traumatic episode, she discovered the true strength behind her own name and the deeper meaning of healing.
Melba Avalos shares her non-traditional path to medicine and the power of seeds of hope planted by the people around us. Her journey is a reminder that encouragement—no matter how small—can change the course of someone’s life.
Shane Scott has seen the effects of delayed healthcare and delayed diagnosis, and is inspired to become part of the solution.
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.
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.
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.
Through its support of the ElevateMeD Scholars Program, Zimmer Biomet is helping medical students access financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive throughout their medical education journey.
We are proud to recognize Truist as a major sponsor of Ignite Atlanta 2026 and a valued partner in advancing our mission to support the next generation of physician leaders. From financial wellness trainings for our Scholars to partnering in community events, Truist continues to stand with us.
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.
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.
What does The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and #ElevateMeD have in common? A commitment to HEALTH EQUITY!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you #LoveTitos for continuing to support our mission and acknowledging the work that we are doing to elevate the field of medicine!
Health Care Disparities and the Latinx Population (Read Article)
Latinas in Motion Impacting the Sports Industry (Read Article)
Jeff joined ElevateMeD in February 2025 from Columbia, South Carolina bringing infectious passion, proven leadership, and decades of successful nonprofit leadership.
Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…
Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…
Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member…
Please join us in welcoming our newest Advisory Board members…
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!
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.
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.
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.
Desai Oula is passionate about expanding access to vision care while inspiring the next generation of students to enter the healthcare field.