Meet our AHEC Scholars!

I am a Master of Public Health Student graduating in 2027. I am from Milwaukee, WI. I want to do health disparity and health equity research work in the future. I joined AHEC Scholars to gain more field experience and skills, make connections with other students, and seek guidance from mentors. My fun fact is that I have three brothers!

Hi, I'm Endia, a Milwaukee native! One of my favorite hobbies is graphic design. I'm currently enrolled in Marquette's Direct Entry-Masters of Science in Nursing Program, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. My commitment to nursing and advocating for patients was strengthened during my participation in the CHIP internship and associated immersions in 2021, where I saw the impact of the AHEC program in educating students about healthcare disparities in Wisconsin. My goal is to become a PMHNP, and I'm dedicated to using my nursing degree and the AHEC Scholars program to advocate for patients and drive systemic changes in healthcare.

I am current student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where I also work in the Department of Surgery’s Division of Research. I am particularly interested in expanding my professional network through the AHEC program and connecting with others in the public health field. A fun fact about me: I am a wine enthusiast and love exploring new wines in my free time!

I am a pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin and recently graduated from St. Norbert College in 2023 with a BS in Natural Science. As a AHEC Scholar, I want to focus on ways interdisciplinary teams and pharmacists can improve access to quality care, whether that's through patient education, preventative health, or hands-on community work. While in pharmacy school, I am pursing a research concentration with the hopes of becoming a clinical pharmacist in an underserved community. In my free time, you can find me reading a book, trying out a new recipe, or exploring a new place!

Hello! My name is Maryjean Bracy and I go to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Nursing. I am currently a junior and I plan to graduate in May 2027. I want to be a pediatric, transplant, or a general practice nurse. I want to serve unrepresentative populations like POC who don’t get the best quality care they deserve due to discrimination, lack of resources, etc. I also want to be a role model that people that look like me can be successful in today’s society because I don’t see many POC in healthcare. I joined AHEC Scholars to broaden my opportunities and network with other peers and professionals to benefit my career path and life goals. A fun fact about me is that when I’m not studying to save lives, I’m playing with my crazy orange kitten, buddy:)

Hi! My name is Ciara, and I’m currently a nursing student working toward my associate’s degree, with plans to graduate in 2027. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and I also work at a local hospital as an emergency department technician while balancing school.

My long-term career goals are to build a multifaceted healthcare career—from becoming an RN to eventually running my own aesthetic practice offering injectables, operating a group home, and expanding into specimen collection and DNA testing services. I’m passionate about creating accessible, culturally aware care for underserved communities, especially by advocating for health education materials to be translated into languages like Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Hmong.

I joined AHEC Scholars because I want to deepen my clinical skills, strengthen my connection to the community, and become the kind of provider who understands both the medicine and the people behind the medicine. Community health, cultural competency, and improving patient trust are huge priorities for me.

Fun fact: I’m always learning, always moving, and always ready for the next adventure.

I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I grew up in several states across the U.S. and call the San Francisco Bay Area home. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a double major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Cognitive Science, and a double minor in Chicano Studies and Linguistics. Before starting medical school, I worked as a clinical research coordinator in the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco.

As an aspiring pediatrician, I hope to serve as a teacher, researcher, mentor, and active community member working to understand and address health disparities and increase the diversity of future physicians and scientists. I am excited to have joined AHEC and look forward to developing my skills of cultural humility, community partnership, advocacy, and health education, while also gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by rural and underserved populations in Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy getting outdoors with my husband, kids, and dog.

I am currently a student in the Associate Degree of Nursing Program at Northwood Technical College, with an expected graduation in Fall 2026. Healthcare is a new career path for me; for the past decade, I worked as a journalist and editor for several Western Wisconsin newspapers, including one with a 133-year history. Originally from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I have been a resident of Western Wisconsin since 2019. I joined AHEC to broaden my understanding of healthcare across multiple disciplines and to connect with others in the field. In my free time, I am an avid hiker and am currently working toward achieving 1,000-miler status on the Ice Age Trail.

Hi, I was born in Chicago, IL moved to Milwaukee, WI when I was 6 years old. I currently attend University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in Nursing. My graduation year is 2026. I plan to attend grad school and obtain my Master’s as a Nurse Practitioner. I joined AHEC Scholars to obtain skills and leadership. I would also like to participate in job shadowing opportunities. A fun fact about me, I’m a boy mom. I have four lovely boys who are the reason I strive for success.

I am currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and will be starting the Professional Nursing Program in the spring of 2024. My nursing interests currently focus on psychiatric care and women’s health. As a new mom, these areas have become especially meaningful to me, and I am passionate about making a difference in the care provided to patients in these fields.

I joined AHEC Scholars because of the incredible exposure the program offers. With opportunities for immersions, skill-building, and networking with healthcare professionals, I saw it as an amazing chance to grow both personally and professionally. A fun fact that I am thrilled to share is that my first clinical experience in the nursing program will be at the Veterans Association Hospital. I look forward to gaining valuable exposure and insight into psych and trauma nursing, which will help shape my career path. I am so grateful to be part of the AHEC Scholars program and excited for what lies ahead!

Hi All! My name is Maggie and I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin's Milwaukee Campus set to graduate in 2026. I am originally from the southside of Chicago, but have called Wisconsin home since 2016 when I began undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to complete a Master of Public Health degree at the UWSMPH (which was quite the experience during the pandemic!). After completing my MPH, I made the move to Milwaukee to begin my MD journey at MCW.

I am currently working toward my goal of becoming a pediatric specialist with interests in critical care and newborn medicine. I have had the great experience of being involved in clinical and community based research throughout my academic career, focusing on the care of maternal and child health. I joined the AHEC Scholars because I knew I wanted to give back to the underrepresented groups of the state that has provided so much of the foundation for my healthcare career goals.

As someone who has had the privilege of experiencing many of the vibrant and diverse communities Wisconsin has to offer, I feel so appreciative I have the opportunity to continue my lifelong learning and hopefully aid in the health goals and aspirations of the amazing groups in my Milwaukee area and the state as a whole! When I'm not busy studying for clinical exams, I love playing rugby as a way to stay active and relieve stress. It is a great community of diverse people who inspire me to be involved every day!

I am the youngest (with a HUGE age gap) of 5 and have always strived for independence. I was born and raised in Milwaukee , WI and I would love nothing more than to make this a better place for all. It's such a diverse city with such rich culture, I just want to make it safer and a place where people thrive. I am a lover of all animals and I currently own 5 snakes.

My name is Adham Ibrahim Salem, a PharmD Candidate (Class of 2027) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Originally from New York City, I’m passionate about bridging clinical pharmacy, entrepreneurship, and community health.

I joined the AHEC Scholars Program to expand my understanding of healthcare disparities, learn interprofessional collaboration, and apply innovative solutions to improve patient access especially in underserved and rural communities.
My long-term goal is to establish patient-centered community pharmacy models and healthcare ventures that integrate technology, education, and public health to strengthen care delivery nationwide.

Fun fact: I’m fluent in both English and Arabic and love designing community-based projects that connect healthcare with creativity and social impact.

I am a third year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program. I was born and raised in Palestine and moved to Wisconsin in 10th grade. As a first generation student, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020 with a Bachelors in both Neuroscience and Psychology. Through the TRIUMPH program, I am partnered with Hanan Refugees Relief Group in Milwaukee to address maternal health barriers and disparities. We developed a maternal health education program for pregnant refugees that provides culturally sensitive information on prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. As I pursue my career in healthcare, I hope to continue my efforts in advocating for underserved communities and giving back to my community. I am excited to be a part of AHEC to learn about our many communities here in Wisconsin and work with interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare access and barriers.

I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I obtained my undergraduate degree from UW-Madison. I am currently studying Community Health Sciences (MPH) at UCLA and will be graduating in 2026. After participating in the Community Health Internship Program, joining the AHEC Scholars program seemed like the natural continuation of my public health journey. One fun fact about me is that I have 2 cats named Robin and Kitten.

My name is Alaa Khatib, and I am a PY2 student at the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, graduating in 2027. I hope to practice in a community pharmacy serving a medically underserved area within Milwaukee, where I can help improve access to care. Fun fact: I love coffee shops hopping and trying new lattes wherever I go.

I am a medical student at UW-Madison SMPH and will be graduating in 2026! I was born and raised in the Milwaukee area. I hope to work within an urban setting and provide a sense of community to my patients despite living in a large city. I am excited to be working with AHEC so that I can gain the knowledge and skills to understand the population landscape and health needs of WI. With that understanding, I can better serve as a physician for others. In my free time, I love to cook, bake, check out restaurants, watch films, travel and be outside!

Hello! My name is Andrew Labott, and I am a third-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin, set to graduate in 2026. I’m originally from southeastern Wisconsin, where I was born and raised. My career goal is to pursue a surgical specialty while also working on policies that address social determinants of health to improve patient outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. I joined the AHEC Scholars Program because I am passionate about building relationships with communities and expanding my understanding of healthcare challenges in rural and underserved areas. A fun fact about me: I have a tattoo of the Colorado flag while I was backpacking there for two weeks after graduating high school.

I am a second year pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Wisconsin Lutheran College through the 3+3 Dual degree program. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family! My current interests include community health and advancing the pharmacy profession.

I am working to implement a survey in pharmacies to identify patients who may be experiencing loneliness and refer them to a mental health service provider. Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare workers, so utilizing community pharmacies to implement screenings can provide greater awareness and education on topics such as social isolation. By joining AHEC Scholars, my goal is to further understand members of my community by creating lasting connections and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

I am a junior first generation Mexican American at Carroll University double majoring in Nursing and Spanish and I will be graduating 2027. The reason why I joined AHEC Scholars is because I wanted to see and experience my community through a different perspective. Many times we get carried away from what people or the news tell us that makes us create stereotypes and judgmental ideas about a person. Yet, when you expose yourself to learning and experiencing more, you actually see a whole different perspective that makes you want to actually make a difference because there is always room to make the world a safer place. After graduating, I want to continue serving my community by working in a nonprofit clinic as a Registered Nurse.

My name is Cordero McCall and I am a third-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin with the anticipated graduation date of 2026. I spent most of my life between New York City and Upstate New York. I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degrees at SUNY Albany. In later years, I earned Master of Business at Saint Louis University in hopes of utilizing both my MBA and MPH during my medical endeavors.

I joined AHEC to better understand how to bridge the gap between underserved populations and increase access to care for these vulnerable populations. My ultimate goal is to become an Orthopaedic Surgeon and create educational opportunities for marginalized communities. My research interests are largely focused on creating more equitable environments for the underserved and advancing health equity. My projects are largely focused on basic, translational, clinical, and population science. My current research projects include colorectal men’s health, prostate cancer, orthopaedics, chronic diseases, and global health. Fun fact about me is I play piano and use to be the choir director for my local church

I am a medical student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. Originally from Madison, I moved to Milwaukee halfway through my medical education in order to train in a more diverse and urbanized setting. Once I graduate in May 2027, I plan to pursue a career in either Family Medicine or Pediatrics, with a particular interest in serving people experiencing homelessness and people with disabilities. I joined AHEC Scholars to explore how community-based programs support marginalized populations across our state, and at the same time, build my network of public service-oriented young professionals. I am a slow reader, a fair-weather runner, and the front man of alternative pop outfit Indigo Trip.

My name is Leah Mushall, I am a third year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and I will be graduating in 2026. I am from New Berlin, WI. I hope to become a doctor in Internal Medicine, and either practice Primary Care, Hospital Medicine or both! I joined AHEC Scholars because I hope to eventually work in WI in an urban/underserved setting, and I also did the AHEC CHIP program during my undergrad and had a great experience. A fun fact about me is if you are ever traveling through Terminal C of the MKE Airport, you might spot me on an advertisement for the Milwaukee County Zoo feeding a giraffe, my favorite animal! :)

I’m a 3rd year in Dental School at Marquette University, going to graduate in 2027. I am from a suburb right outside of Chicago. I’m deeply passionate about making oral healthcare more accessible and inclusive. I joined AHEC to learn more and engage with groups in a very immersive way provided by this program. A fun fact is that I can speak Arabic and love the ocean!

I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus! I grew up in Whitefish Bay, WI, however I have lived in both Michigan and Washington state. I am interested in going into family medicine and I am honored to be part of AHEC Scholars to continue learning about the state and people I care about. A fun fact about me is that my name means lightning in Sanskrit!

Hello, my name is Aiman and I am medical student at the University of Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, planning to graduate in 2026. I immigrated to the US from Pakistan when I was 4 years old and grew up in Milwaukee, WI. I aspire to work as a physician in an urban community like Milwaukee that serves a diverse minority/underserved population, and I hope to work on issues of health equity, healthcare access, and social determinants of health in that community.

I joined AHEC Scholars to broaden my understanding of the healthcare that shapes our Wisconsin communities as well as have the opportunities to engage with individuals in various healthcare professions in interdisciplinary work. When I'm not in school, I enjoy reading, watching k-dramas, and traveling. I love going to different countries and trying new food and immersing in the culture of a new place. A fun fact about me is that my family recently got into beekeeping and we have a few beehives that have given an abundance of honey in the last few years!

My name is Ridwana Shamsul, and I’m a Public Health major currently in my junior year. I’m originally from Burma, and my experience as a former refugee inspires my passion for improving healthcare access for underserved populations. I joined AHEC Scholars to gain experience serving communities like my own. A fun fact about me is that I love learning new languages and can pick up phrases really quickly.

My name is Michelle Smith, and I am currently a student at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the Master of Public Health program. I will be graduating in Fall of 2027. I’m from Milwaukee, WI, and I plan to further my career in a clinical hospital setting with a focus on infection prevention and/or health policy. I joined the AHEC Scholars because it is a meaningful opportunity to serve underserved communities and learn how to confidently apply my skills and knowledge in real-world settings.

Fun fact: I’m known as the calm problem-solver in stressful situations.

I am earning my MD degree at MCW-Milwaukee, Class of 2027. I am originally from Franklin, Wisconsin. I plan to pursue Family Medicine for my career, likely in an urban area with an emphasis in women's health and addiction. I joined AHEC Scholars to cultivate a meaningful connection with my community and to explore the impactful work of organizations committed to improving care for Wisconsin’s diverse populations. My fun fact is that I made it a life goal to visit a new country every year, and I have stuck to it since 2016. Next year will be the Philippines!

I am a junior at University of WI La Crosse, with plans to graduate in 2026, with hopes of attending Grad school for epidemiology which is my ultimate career goal. I grew up in Roberts, WI. I joined AHEC as it seemed like a really good opportunity to immerse myself more in public health and learn more about current health issues.

Hey! The names Gabe, and I’m a sophomore at Goodwin University, working toward my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. I plan to graduate in May 2027 and hope to build a career focused on community health and education. I’ve always been passionate about helping others, and growing up in Connecticut inspired me to learn more about how I can make a difference in the health and well-being of my community.

I joined the AHEC Scholars Program because I wanted to gain real-world experience, connect with other students and professionals in healthcare, and learn how different fields work together to improve access to care, especially for underserved populations.

A fun fact about me is that I’m a big fan of vinyl records and enjoy sipping on crafted, artisan coffee!

My name is Anna Trautner and I am about to finish my J1 semester at UWO in the BSN program. My graduation year is 2026. My hometown is Oak creek, Wisconsin. My career goal is to be a PICU nurse and possibly return to school to be a nurse practitioner. I joined AHEC Scholars to expand my learning opportunities past what school and work teaches me. A fun fact about me is I did all-star cheer and then cheered at UWO for 11 years total!

I am from the Greater Milwaukee Area and currently a third-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with plans to become a surgeon. I joined AHEC to deepen my knowledge of the diverse population that we serve in Wisconsin and work with an interdisciplinary team to address barriers to health faced by our communities. When I am not in school, you can find me exploring the outdoors or traveling with my friends and family.

I'm a Nigeian-American Muslim who's currently a medical student in the class of 2026 at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I lived most of my life in Ashland, Massachusetts. I plan to become a psychiatrist and work for underserved populations which made me want to join AHEC Scholars so that I can immerse myself in several underserved communities in Wisconsin. I can't wait to learn more during these experiences! A fun fact is that I have a twin sister!