Four Physician Assistant students, Jose Diaz-Perez, Nyah Townsend, Alyssa Espinoza and Alice McCaffrey, have been awarded the 2024 student scholarships through the UNC PA Program.
Jose Diaz-Perez: Kenan Physician Assistant Educational Enhancement Fund
Jose Diaz-Perez was awarded the Kenan Physician Assistant Educational Enhancement Fund, a scholarship that aims to fund rural health initiatives in the state of North Carolina by increasing community outreach for primary care. Diaz-Perez’s goal is to become a certified Physician Assistant and after graduating from the program, he hopes to return to his hometown and serve predominantly migrant farmworkers and individuals with limited financial resources.
“As a first-generation college student, male, and Latino, I know that my identity carries a heavy burden, but one I am proud to carry,” said Diaz-Perez. “With limited cultural representation in the profession, I know I will make a positive impact in healthcare and my community.”
The scholarship will allow Diaz-Perez to fund his education, which will make the possibility of working with rural and under-resourced communities more accessible for him post-graduation.
Nyah Townsend: Loyalty Medical Foundation Fund
Nyah Townsend was awarded the Loyalty Medical Foundation Fund, a scholarship given to a UNC PA Program student or students to support financial need and alignment with the UNC PA Program mission. Townsend’s goal of working in rural communities in primary care/family medicine, as she grew up in a rural community and believes that people in those communities deserve quality healthcare.
“Being a lifelong North Carolinian, and a soon to be a double Tar Heel, North Carolina is my home. My plan is to stay here for the bulk of my career and serve the people of the state,” said Townsend. “I hope to do this through practicing medically, being a resource to future clinicians, and advocating for the health of North Carolinians, especially rural North Carolinians.”
Alyssa Espinoza: Smith Family Scholarship for Veterans
Alyssa Espinoza was awarded the Smith Family Scholarship for Veterans, a scholarship that is awarded from the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family to former Special Forces Medics and other medically-trained veterans.
“Whether it’s advocating for marginalized communities, vulnerable populations, or individuals facing systemic barriers, I hope to be a vocal and proactive advocate for all,” said Espinoza. “This includes staying informed about social determinants of health and actively working towards eliminating health inequities within the community.”
Anjolie Kue: Alice McCaffrey Memorial Scholarship
Anjolie Kue was awarded the Alice McCaffrey Memorial Scholarship, which is given to a UNC PA Program preclinical or clinical phase student to promote diversity in the physician assistant field and increase awareness of the physician assistant profession.
Kue hopes to spread awareness of the health disparities in the Hmong population in hopes of minimizing the barriers of care that exist not only for Hmong people, but for other minorities and underserved communities in North Carolina.
As the oldest child, Kue has been the first when it comes to many endeavors. “This dream and all the goals that have preceded and will follow it, is not mine alone. This is the dream of my parents, my grandparents, and our ancestors before them. I am proud and honored to be able to carry this dream and any scholarship awarded will be going towards supporting and helping this dream come true.”
Each student within the UNC PA program brings unique gifts, backgrounds and goals to the classroom and clinic, and their impact on their communities following their time in the program will be significant.