Recipient of: CU Nursing Midwifery Diversity Scholarship
Area of Study: Midwifery
Intended Graduation Date: December 2022 (MSN), December 2023 (DNP)
 

A core value in midwifery philosophy is providing respectful and equitable care to all. Yet, too often, social determinants of health can go under-addressed when midwives lack a true understanding of the cultural background of those they serve. Thanks to your generosity, this semester I was able to fly to New Jersey every week to participate in a clinical rotation with the Haredi Jewish community, an underserved community whose cultural needs are not currently met. Because of my shared background with these women, I connected with them deeply and helped provide the best care possible. After graduation, I plan to continue providing care to Haredi women in a full-scope practice.

Recipient of: Delta Dental of Colorado Dean’s Distinguished Scholarship for Oral Health Equity
Area of Study: Dental Medicine
Intended Graduation Year: 2024

I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, and my mother is a Columbian-trained dentist. Due to my father’s job, my family has moved to countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia and the U.S. I spent my high school years in Castle Rock, Colorado, and graduated from Colorado Mesa University (CMU) with a degree in biology in 2020. I was the coordinator for the Latino Student Alliance at CMU and worked as a senior resident assistant during college. I am currently in the middle of my second year at the CU School of Dental Medicine. This year has consisted of a lot of classes that have to do with science, but we also had a lot of exposure to dentistry as we are constantly in the lab. I am excited to see my very first patient this summer where I will perform a cleaning and eventually work on dental fillings.

“I would not be here without your help. I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity. Every time I step foot on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, I feel so much magic because it’s truly the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Recipient of: Innovation in Medical Education Endowed Fund
Area of Study: OBGYN
Intended Graduation Year: 2022


Thanks to the generous support of alumni, two of my peers and I were able to create a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) based afterschool curriculum for a group of students in a low-income housing community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds we received helped us provide materials for science experiments, as well as take-home goodies such as bike helmets and toothbrushes, to the students who participated. The Innovation in Medical Education Endowed Fund took our project to the next level by allowing us to create more meaningful and hands-on opportunities for our participants.

“Thanks to the support we received from alumni, we were able to truly engage with our local community in a meaningful way that fostered relationships and mutual learning. In the future, I plan to become an OBGYN generalist in a rural community in Colorado after completing my training at Oregon Health & Science University.”

Recipient of: Pay it Forward Pharmacy Alumni Scholarship
Area of Study: Pharmacy
Intended Graduation Year: 2022

The Pay it Forward Pharmacy Alumni Scholarship allowed me to focus on my rotations during my fourth year of pharmacy school. At one point during school, I had three part-time jobs to assist with expenses. Because of this scholarship, my schedule was more manageable. I recently accepted a full-time pharmacist position with Publix near Fort Myers, Florida.

“I am extremely grateful for this scholarship. Thank you to all who donated for making this scholarship possible.”

Recipient of: Bowenkamp-Jones Dean’s Distinguished Scholarship
Area of Study: Medicine
Intended Graduation Year: 2025

I truly would not be in medical school without the contributions of this scholarship. I have been able to realize my full potential of what I can do in medicine without the stressors of finances. To me, this funding means that all the sacrifices that my parents’ families made when we immigrated here from Vietnam and lived in poverty have paid off. It means that as a physician, I can recognize the contributions of students and aspiring physicians that come from similar backgrounds. While I am unsure of the specific field of medicine I would like to pursue, I know that I would like to work in academic medicine. In this environment, I can conduct research and lead pipeline programs for students like me.

“I am especially grateful for your support because it allows myself and other students like me to realize that those who can provide financial support recognize our potential.”

Recipient of: CU Medicine Physical Therapy Scholarship
Area of Study: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Intended Graduation Year: 2022

Receiving this scholarship meant that I could more easily afford to move to Colorado from out of state, attend the institution that really provided all aspects of graduate education I was looking for, and be less focused on my student loan debt in the first year of grad school. Being the oldest of three, I knew funding of my graduate education would be my responsibility. I also knew I could not be successful as a student and have some sort of life balance if I had to maintain a substantial job in addition to school. The CU Medicine Physical Therapy Scholarship helped offset costs of my first three semesters and really sealed the deal in my decision to attend physical therapy school at CU Anschutz. My long-term goal as a physical therapist is to become an effective generalist practitioner in a rural area – a clinician who can treat anyone who comes through the door. 

“I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to pursue my doctor of physical therapy at the University of Colorado and for the amazing community I have found here, amidst the chaos of the past few years. Thank you to the donors who made it possible for me to pursue my graduate education at an incredible interdisciplinary medical campus like CU Anschutz.”

Recipient of: Delta Dental of Colorado Dean’s Distinguished Scholarship for Oral Health Equity
Area of Study: Dental Medicine
Intended Graduation Year: 2024

I come from a rural part of Ghana called Kumasi and I’m a first-generation, non-traditional immigrant student, who originally studied optometry from 2010 to 2014. I enjoyed the interpersonal aspects of optometry, but I felt dentistry was more intimate and created deeper relationships. I worked as a CNA and as a dental assistant after coming to the U.S. I graduated from CU Denver with a biology degree in 2019, and I chose to attend CU Anschutz primarily because of its commitment to student success. I see dentistry as an intricate blend of art, science and nurturing of human connection, which is intrinsic to the profession. Art because we work with our hands, science because empirical evidence is the backbone of our profession, and human connection because we get to see patients on a regular basis. This scholarship was critical in solidifying my decision to come to CU Anschutz because it was important for me to provide the highest standard of care without having to worry about student loan payments.

“Since I fell in love with dentistry, I’ve always wanted to become a free dentist whose decisions are based solely on what’s best for the patient, and this scholarship helps me do just that. I see your philanthropy making a difference in my educational experience in a significant way because now I can focus on becoming the best student, the best doctor and the best dentist I can be. Because of you, my financial burden has been lightened and now I can focus on my studies.”

Recipient of: CU Medicine MD Student Scholarships Fund
Area of Study: Medicine
Intended Graduation Year: 2023

Because of this research scholarship support, I have been able to continue doing research during the second and third year of medical school. I was able to publish 20 peer-reviewed pediatric heart surgery-focused articles and gain new insights into blood-flow patterns in children with cardiac lesions. I was also able to share research ideas and tools developed at Children’s Hospital Colorado with affiliate hospitals in the Denver area. This fall, I am applying to integrated cardiothoracic-surgery residency with the hope of becoming a surgeon-scientist.

“Thank you so much for the generous support. My research pursuits would not have been possible without your scholarship. As an older medical student, graduating debt-free from medical school makes it possible for me to pursue further training to reach my long-term career goals. My wife and I are truly grateful for your kind gift.”

Recipient of: Charlean Brooks Blood Endowment for Medical Education Fund
Area of Study: Medicine
Graduation Year: 2022

Without financial strain, I was able to not only excel academically, but pursue other interests that would promote my long-term professional development as well as serve my community. I pursued a dual-degree program and obtained my master's in public health management from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health so I could learn more about hospital administration and physician leadership. I was also able to focus on important extracurriculars such as the Student National Medical Association, where I served as the national chairperson working diligently to diversify the face of medicine. I have matched into obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where I hope to not only train to be an excellent physician, but also serve a community of underserved patients. After residency, I would like to pursue physician leadership and hospital administration to ensure that business choices made by hospitals and healthcare delivery systems are sound and promote health equity for all patients, especially those who are underserved. 

“I am incredibly grateful to the support of donors for making my dreams come true and lifting an incredible burden. Your support has helped me achieve goals that I wouldn't have imagined possible just a short couple of years ago. I feel blessed, honored and eternally grateful.”

Due to the generosity of the CU Medicine MD Student Scholarships Fund, I was able to dedicate my extra time to working with the university and School of Medicine to enhance our curriculum as opposed to working to support my family. The reward of this scholarship also allowed me to apply my old career as a research manager to multiple student and university groups to help teach future physicians that the Institutional Review Board isn't that scary! This funding means the difference between service to myself and service to my school. Currently, I aspire to be an academic trauma and acute care surgeon working and helping patients in urban, safety net hospitals.

“As a nontraditional student who is married to a high school math teacher who works in resource-limited schools I was especially humbled to have received a scholarship. It is my sincere desire to work in urban, safety net hospitals and any reduction in the cost of medical school now will go a long way toward helping me choose a career for the patients I will serve as opposed to choosing a career for the money to pay back loans. I am eternally grateful.”

Recipient of: CU Medicine MD Student Scholarship Fund
Area of Study: Medicine (Pediatrics)
Intended Graduation Year: 2025

The CU Anschutz Medical Campus has been a major part of my journey through research, education and clinical work. One of the best opportunities at CU is the expansive diversity of research and innovation. Research has been formative in my journey toward a career in medicine, and this scholarship allowed me to dedicate specific time to these opportunities and expand research in the field I am to practice in. I plan to practice pediatrics and continue academic research, which limits my future pay. The CU Medicine MD Student Scholarships Fund helped me care for the less fortunate in my future by taking less loans now. It will help my ultimate focus to be on the well-being of my patients and not on a paycheck or reimbursement. It has also allowed me to enjoy life more throughout medical school without the pressure of finding additional income. After graduation, I will start as a pediatric resident at Children’s Hospital Colorado and continue my research projects. My research involves the implementation of non-accidental trauma screenings in pediatric emergency departments and investigating the psychological diagnoses, mental health, medications for behaviors, and adult outcomes in XXYY syndrome. Long term, I am interested in investigating the psychological complications of chronic conditions with hopes to develop better family education and care for patients with chronic diseases.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support of donors who give to scholarships at CU Anschutz. Because of your generosity, I am encouraged in my research endeavors and ultimately able to pursue my passion in caring for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I feel empowered to continue my clinical research throughout my career and aim to use it to inspire others to strive towards restoration, to embrace life, and to thrive.”

Recipient of: Kenda Fuller, PT, Fund for Enhancing Cultural Balance in Physical Therapy
Area of Study: Physical Therapy
Intended Graduation Year: 2023

Attending the physical therapy program at CU Anschutz was made possible by your support of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) scholarships. Not only does this empower me to continue to promote all DEI efforts and initiatives, but it also reminds me why I’m here. I sincerely appreciate you doing what you can to promote diversity and equity within the profession. My long-term career plans include beginning a PhD program after I graduate with a doctor of physical therapy. I’m particularly interested in conducting research revolving around public health issues. I hope to become a clinician in underserved areas to give back to my community and eventually move back home to Texas and help take care of my grandmother.

“I will continue to remain devoted and committed to promoting DEI within the profession of physical therapy, and healthcare in general. I appreciate your generosity and I hope to one day be in a position to give back in similar ways.”

Recipient of: Barbara Smith Reilly Scholarship Fund
Area of Study: Doctor of Medicine
Intended Graduation Year: 2024

Becoming a pediatric doctor has been and continues to be my dream job, but medical school is expensive, especially for out-of-state students. Because of this scholarship, I can attend a medical school associated to a well-known and successful tertiary care children’s hospital. I am currently a student in the Children’s Hospital Colorado clerkship, and I am so grateful to learn and train at CHCO. The patient interactions and mentorships have been extraordinary! I want to work with pediatric patients who have complex medical needs such as congenital anomalies and genetic syndromes. I haven’t decided which subspeciality, but through the CHCO clerkship, I am better able to find my calling.

“Thank you for your kind generosity and financial support for students at the CU School of Medicine. I feel lucky to have been a recipient of this scholarship for two years. Having a smaller loan debt upon graduating medical school eases the stress of having to choose a specialty based on pay. I am free to continue my dream of becoming a pediatrician.”

Recipient of: The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund
Area of Study: Medicine 
Intended Graduation Year: 2023

This funding made a huge difference in my life. As the husband of a teacher and father of two children, our monetary resources have been significantly limited. With the pandemic creating childcare crises, in addition to new family health issues, your support has helped decrease financial stress while still being able to meet personal, professional and family obligations. The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund has enabled me to focus most of my time and energy on building my medical acumen, as well as dedicated extra capacity to medical education and improving the medical school experience for a multitude of students instead of having to find ways to make income during school. I plan to become an emergency medicine doctor. I love emergency medicine but also view it as a critical component to our nation's healthcare system. I hope and plan to expand my impact beyond the emergency department, working to create systems change in both our medical system and medical education. Emergency medicine should give me great exposure and insight into many of the challenges our healthcare systems face and help inform how I can have the most impact over the course of my career.

“I'm incredibly thankful for this scholarship. Given all the complications in my life over the past year it's easy to envision a world where I needed to step away from medical school. Relieving some of the financial stress and pressure greatly lowered the chances of this happening, helping me better balance my focus on my family and my studies.”

Recipient of: Colorado School of Public Health Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Fund
Area of Study: MPH in Community Health Education
Intended Graduation Year: 2024

This scholarship has been critical in maintaining my focus on my academics. Working in the non-profit sector, while rewarding, can be difficult financially and that can add so many stressors on top of a full workload of homework, reports and projects. Your support allowed me breathing room to begin working on more extracurricular research projects that will better inform the masses on things such as sexual health and harm reduction. After I graduate, I plan on taking my desire and passion for change into leadership roles where I can best serve the underserved by building a new service working within the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to create and advocate for policy changes.

“You brought so much joy to my life as this is the first scholarship I have received, and I am forever grateful for your support. Because of you, I can continue my research and academic passions toward growing inclusivity and advocating for diversity in my field.”

Recipient of: The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund
Area of Study: Medicine 
Intended Graduation Year: 2024

It has been an incredible honor being a recipient of The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund, as it has allowed me to return to my home state for my medical training. This scholarship has given me the privilege to focus on my education with diminished financial concerns and has made extra funds available for me to purchase medical equipment so I can practice clinical skills at home. This funding demonstrates an investment and commitment into my medical career and into my personhood as a future physician. This scholarship is allowing me to actualize my goals. I strive to become a family medicine physician with a fellowship in palliative care. I am hoping to practice in a rural Colorado community and continue advocacy work with the Colorado Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

“I am immensely grateful for this scholarship and the opportunities it has provided me. I am honored by your support and investment into my education. I look forward to my future medical career serving a rural Colorado community and this scholarship is foundational for me achieving this goal. Thank you for your imperative role in my medical education.”