The University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine is once again providing scholarships to all graduating medical doctors (MDs), continuing a tradition that started last year. Ashley Salazar, Chief Advancement and External Relations Officer at UNM School of Medicine, expressed the Alumni Association's support for the new MD alumni, stating, “This is the Alumni Association’s support of the newest members of the alumni as they transition into a new and challenging portion of their journey into medicine.”
This year, 65 MD graduates will each receive the $1,000 Lobo MD scholarship. Salazar highlighted the financial challenges faced by graduating students as they transition to residency, with uncertainties about their future locations. She explained, “As students graduate and move to residency, there's a lot of financial burden in that transition itself. They just find out and they have to, in a short amount of time, line up a living situation, travel across the country and start their new position.”
Rushi Mankad, MD, a previous recipient of the Lobo MD Scholarship, emphasized the importance of financial support during the transition to residency, noting the various expenses involved in starting a new job in the medical field. Reflecting on the origins of the scholarship, Salazar mentioned that the idea came from Nathaniel Roybal, MD, PhD, with the vision to provide every student in the UNM School of Medicine with a scholarship.
The Alumni Association's dedication to supporting its graduates is evident in their fundraising efforts, with the goal of ensuring that alumni feel welcomed and supported by the community. Alisha Parada, MD, FACP, the current president of the Association, continues to uphold this commitment. Salazar emphasized the importance of building a strong alumni community, where graduates can connect with each other and receive ongoing support even after graduation.
The Association's efforts extend beyond financial assistance, as they organize events like the annual welcome party for new members. Salazar detailed the upcoming graduation party, where alumni, donors, and current graduates will have the opportunity to interact and celebrate together. The sense of community fostered by the Alumni Association is aimed at providing a supportive network for MDs as they embark on their medical careers.
Speaking on the supportive nature of the New Mexico community, Mankad expressed gratitude for the individuals who have helped him along his journey, stating, “New Mexico is a small and close-knit group of individuals who genuinely want their own to succeed.” The Alumni Association's initiatives serve not only as a financial aid but also as a means to build a strong support system for MD graduates.
The UNM School of Medicine Alumni Association's commitment to providing scholarships to all graduating MDs underscores their dedication to nurturing a supportive community for future medical professionals.