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.

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.

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.

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.

Jessica Norman reflects on the driving motivator that led her to medicine, shedding light on essential characteristics that every doctor needs—listening skills and empathy.

Ariel Walker witnessed her father suffer a stroke that ultimately ignited her "lifelong passion for the brain" in neurosurgery. Through the skillsets of precision and versatility, Ariel is challenged yet thrilled to approach every patient with the goal of their healing in real time.

Ruth Amaku has found purpose in medicine from her own journey in sports. She believed that her journey exposed the importance of general wellness, and looks forward to applying this in her future journey as a sports medicine physician.

Keleb Mehari believes that his journey through medicine is about healing and being a source of great emotional understanding for his patients, driven by his own experiences and injuries. To Keleb, being a healer is not just an approach, but a general embodiment.

Launched on May 13, 2019, ElevateMeD s proud to announce the 2025-26 Scholars Program cohort. This year's cohort of exceptional medical students represents the future of medicine and embodies the organization's commitment to fostering a healthcare landscape that assures equitable health outcomes for all. This announcement also marks the sixth anniversary of ElevateMeD and its ongoing dedication to supporting future physician leaders.

Sydni Williams plans to advocate for the patients of marginalized identity who present to the emergency department (ED) to receive care. The ED is many of these patient’s first interface with the healthcare system and she’s eager to serve as an ally for these patients.