VCOM 2021 Annual Report

Student Scholarship Highlights (continued)

The F. W. Sonny Merryman Jr. Family Scholarship Justin Brian “JB” Navarro , VCOM-Virginia Class of 2021 Woodbridge, VA

The Latonya Hendricks Memorial Scholarship Chiamaka Onaga , VCOM-Virginia Class of 2022 Staten Island, NY

“When you get to know your patients, they become more than just patients. I intend to come into my clinic at the beginning of the day, see my list of patients, and say to myself: “This is who I get to see today.” – not,

“I wish to establish my practice in an environment that consists of individuals of the underrepresented community. I hope to open a pediatrics practice

so that I will be able to educate the youth on primary care. I believe that if I start with the youth, it can then help prevent several health disparities in the future.”

“This is who I have to see today.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield Scholars Program Scholarship Zola Wilkerson, VCOM-Auburn Class of 2022 Lagrange, GA

The Randal “R.J.” Kirk Medical Scholarship Layton Elizabeth Romano , VCOM-Virginia

“My participation in the BCBS program will support my long-time desire to practice in underserved rural areas in Alabama. This is specifically centered around a sense of community. It is important

Class of 2023 Bluefield, VA

“The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is the promotion of a whole body healthy lifestyle: an understanding of how

the body works as a whole and prevention of the disease process. It is an approach I feel is applicable in healing and promoting longevity in life.”

for medical professionals, particularly in a rural setting, to recognize their role in society outside of the healthcare center and to know that they have important contributions to make beyond the walls of a hospital.”

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