February 24, 2023
The NCAFP Foundation would like to congratulate the following four medical students who won 2022 NCAFP Foundation scholarships:
Mereze is Vice President and Geriatric Chair of CUSOM’s FMIG, Research Chair of CUSOM’s Student Government, an AAFP Family Medicine Leads Scholarship winner, an ACOFP National Emerging Osteopathic Leader Award winner, Student Representative on the Executive Board, a William Morris Department of Osteopathic Medicine Award winner for Top Osteopathic Student at Campbell, and a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, the National Osteopathic Medicine Fraternity. Mereze encountered Family Medicine while working at CUSOM’s Mobile Clinic, saying, “I feel especially connected to this vulnerable patient population, as I remember what it was like when I was unable to speak English. Working at the clinic confirmed my passion for Family Medicine, as it allowed me to meet patients where they are at and form long-term relationships.”
Brinda is President of Medical Students for Choice at UNC, Service Chair of the American Medical Women’s Association, and a member of UNCSOM’s FMIG. She was also a Paul A. Godley Art of Medicine Fellow. She says, “Family Medicine is the perfect specialty fit for me because it affords me the privilege of patient stories and continuing pursuits I am passionate about. I feel confident that Family Medicine will allow me to be an equitable primary care physician and carry on playing a role in patient stories.”
Sierra served as Site Representative at CUSOM’s Johnston Regional Site, Treasurer of CUSOM’s Student Alumni Association, Member in the Peer Navigator Program, and is a student member of STFM and CUSOM’s FMIG. Sierra says, “I found my passion in working in underserved healthcare. I learned that preventive care was key, healthcare was not simply prescribing medications, and the best healthcare came from an understanding of the patient population.” Her goal going forward is to perfect “serving underserved populations of North Carolina as a primary care physician.”
David is a member of Sigma Sigma Phi National Osteopathic Medicine Fraternity, a volunteer with the CUSOM Community Care Clinic, a volunteer with the CUSOM Mobile Clinic, and a member of CUSOM’s FMIG. David finds that Family Medicine allows him to fulfill his desire to know his patients holistically and finds “joy in being able to converse with patients through all their illness, how they connect and work through problems together.” He wants to serve a rural community like the one where he grew up and both advocate for and educate his patients.