Melissa Valdez - Class of 2010
LTSS Dean's Endowed Scholarship
$5,000

Melissa is a native of Ojo Caliente, NM.

"I am convinced I want to do a residency in Family medicine with a fellowship in Maternal-Child Health. My husband and I would love to return home to Ojo Caliente where I can build my practice, and we can raise our children."

Tiffany DiGiacomo - Class of 2011
Sponsored by Jeff Doll, Asst. VP Merrill Lynch
$2,500

Tiffany is a native of Gallup, NM.

"Coming from a rural area, I have consistently seen the problems of the health care shortage and economic strife. I want to work with underserved populations and help bridge the health disparities that are so overwhelmingly present in rural communities."

Miki Mathes - Class of 2011

Sponsored by Jeff Doll, Asst. VP Merrill Lynch
$2,500

Miki is a native of Albuquerque, NM

"I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of other disabled individuals by advocating for better healthcare, making medical experiences less stressful, and above all, providing people with disabilities the incentive and encouragement to open their horizons to new possibilities."

Janelle Heimberger - Class of 2011
LTSS Scholarship
$2,500

Janelle is a native of Santa Fe, NM.

"Prior to beginning medical school, I spent five years in public health in Northern NM. During this time, I helped un-and -underserved people get medical care. My hope is to continue this work as a physician, and to return to Northern NM to practice."

LeRoy Danielson - Class of 2011
LTSS Scholarship
$2,500

Now a resident of New Mexico, LeRoy is originally from Southeastern Minnesota.

"For 10 years I worked in hospitals, on ambulances, and in homeless clinics and agencies. Becoming a doctor was my best opportunity to help. My summer experience on the Navajo Reservation in Shiprock opened my eyes to many possibilities in medicine."

Ateefa Chaudhury - Class of 2011
LTSS Scholarship
$2,500

Now a resident of New Mexico, Ateefa is originally from Bangladesh.

"From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. It was seeing patients leave my uncle's ophthalmology clinic in Bangladesh with smiles on their faces that made me realize excellent medical care was a combination of treatment and personal interactions. I too want to make that same difference for others and hope to open free clinics in underserved areas."