Samantha Busch, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH) and is currently a 2nd-year resident in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally from Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, Samantha attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison as an undergraduate where she majored in Biochemistry, with certificates in Biocore and Classical and Near Eastern Studies.
Viviane Cahen, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU). Originally from Paris, France, she studied Economics and International Development at Tulane University, drawn by its cultural similarities to French culture.
Elizabeth Flores, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine’s Charles R. Drew/Program in Medical Education-Leadership and Advocacy program and is dedicated to working with underserved communities. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry with a minor in French from the University of California, Irvine.
Stephen Freeman, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year MD-MPH student at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Stephen was born and raised in Northville, Michigan, and is a proud Midwesterner. Growing up, his experiences within his community strongly shaped his commitment to community-centered medicine and his desire to pursue family medicine.
Caryssa Lim, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is currently a 4th-year medical student at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. She graduated from University of Chicago with a degree in Biological Sciences and Human Rights.
Bhumika Patel, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences. She graduated from her home state’s University of Vermont (UVM) with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Nutrition & Food Science. Nestled in the green mountains, she grew up in an underserved town, playing in rivers and running on trails. Though her family was the only one of color, she has a rich perspective on community support and having pride in your story.
Claire Romaine, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student at Tulane University School of Medicine, where she is also pursuing an MPH in Disaster Management and Environmental Health. Raised in Frostburg, Maryland, an Appalachian town of 7,000 people, she was first inspired to pursue a career in health by her mother, a general dentist and advocate for access to care.
Prasanna Vankina, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Originally from rural South India, Prasanna moved numerous times throughout her childhood and is grateful for a far-reaching sense of “home” beyond her beloved Twin Cities roots.
Neil Dixit (he/him), a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He graduated from Northwestern University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Sexuality Studies and a minor in Anthropology.
Caroline Murtagh, a 2024 Pisacano Scholar, is a 4th-year medical student and Knight-Hennessy scholar at Stanford School of Medicine. Originally from Andover, MA, Caroline graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences.
