Each year, the Colorado Medical Society Foundation (CMSF) provides scholarships to medical students who are committed to rural health care or have shown leadership in organized medicine. The foundation offers two main scholarships: the Rural Track Scholarship and the Gilchrist Student Leadership Scholarship.
The Rural Track Scholarship supports first- and second-year students enrolled in rural medicine programs at Colorado medical schools. Its goal is to encourage future physicians to serve in small communities where access to health care can be limited. The Gilchrist Student Leader Scholarship is awarded to third- and fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated significant leadership within organized medicine.
This year’s Rural Track Scholars include Haley Hemstreet, who trained in Trinidad, Colorado, and has focused on family medicine inspired by her grandparents’ experiences with limited health care access in rural New Mexico. “The kindness of the community, deep patient relationships, and hands-on learning have affirmed her decision to pursue family medicine. She looks forward to returning to Trinidad as a rural physician in the future.”
Gio Dumont, another recipient, grew up in Estes Park and has witnessed challenges such as helicopter evacuations during natural disasters and recent reductions in local health services. “Now a medical student, he is committed to returning to rural Colorado as a primary care physician. His future research will focus on cancer detection tools adaptable to low-resource settings, and he advocates nationally for rural health policy. From representing rural voices at the AMA’s advocacy conference to studying gaps in care during his rural hospital immersion, he is dedicated to ensuring small communities like his have access to the care they deserve.”
Samantha Wavrin came from a small town in Oregon and chose Rocky Vista University for its Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track. She plans clinical rotations in Grand Junction with hopes of practicing medicine in Colorado’s rural areas: “Now preparing for clinical rotations in Grand Junction, she envisions a future practicing rural medicine in Colorado – ideally owning a clinic, offering house calls, and even bartering for services when needed.”
Amanda Winter was raised in Buena Vista and started her career as an EMT before moving into broader medical roles domestically and abroad. She is now part of RVU’s Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track: “These experiences fueled her passion for rural medicine and her commitment to serving underserved populations. Now a student…she plans to return…combining her love for the outdoors, strong patient relationships, and broad-scope care…”
The Gilchrist Scholars this year include Caleb Bussard of Rocky Vista University who contributed significantly through leadership roles such as serving on the CMS Council on Legislation: “As one of the student leaders…he played a role in passing Colorado’s prior authorization reform bill (HB24-1149), advocating directly with lawmakers and the media.” He also co-chaired various CMS student groups.
Helena Heister founded an American Medical Women’s Association chapter at her university before joining CU School of Medicine where she continued advocacy work: “She co-led efforts to support underserved communities…Her policy journey continued…where she co-led the CMS student chapter…With deep roots in grassroots organizing…”
Ellie Laughlin traveled from Sterling to Denver this February to testify at the Capitol supporting legislation aimed at physician wellbeing: “A Colorado native…she’s previously testified at AMA national conferences…That day at the Capitol, her advocacy came full circle as the bill passed – affirming her belief that engaged, well-supported physicians are key…”
The scholarship recipients reflect ongoing efforts by organizations like CMSF that seek not only academic achievement but also commitment toward improving health outcomes across all regions of Colorado.
