The Colorado Medical Society Foundation (CMSF) has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, which are awarded annually to medical students in Colorado. The two scholarships offered by CMSF are the Rural Track Scholarship and the Gilchrist Student Leadership Scholarship.
The Rural Track Scholarship is intended for students who are in good academic standing and enrolled in a rural medicine track program at a Colorado medical school. The goal is to encourage future physicians to serve rural communities, where access to healthcare can be limited.
Haley Hemstreet, one of this year’s Rural Track Scholars, has trained in Trinidad, Colorado. She shared her experiences delivering care across state lines and spoke about her commitment to returning as a rural physician: “Inspired by her grandparents’ struggles to access care in rural New Mexico, Hemstreet is committed to serving small towns like Trinidad. 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 grew up in Estes Park and has witnessed the difficulties faced by rural health systems. He intends to focus his research on cancer detection tools suitable for low-resource settings and advocates for rural health policy at the national level: “Growing up in Estes Park, future doctor Dumont witnessed firsthand the challenges of rural medicine – from hearing about the helicopter evacuations during the 2013 flood to the recent loss of key 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 chose Rocky Vista University because of its Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track. She plans on practicing medicine in Grand Junction with an emphasis on accessible care: “A small-town Oregon native, future doctor Wavrin chose RVU in part for its Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track, drawn to the opportunity to serve communities like the one that raised her. 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. Passionate about building lasting patient relationships and integrating into rural life, she is especially attuned to the needs of rural areas. With deep roots already forming in Colorado, she is committed to advancing accessible, compassionate care in the state’s rural communities.”
Amanda Winter was raised in Buena Vista and started her path toward medicine as an EMT before entering Rocky Vista University’s Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track: “Growing up in Buena Vista, future doctor Winter developed a deep connection to rural Colorado and the health care challenges its communities face. Her path to medicine began as an EMT in El Paso County and continued through work in a Level 1 trauma center and medical missions abroad. These experiences fueled her passion for rural medicine and her commitment to serving underserved populations. Now a student in RVU’s Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track, she plans to return to a community like Buena Vista – combining her love for the outdoors, strong patient relationships, and broad-scope care to help address the physician shortage in rural Colorado.”
The Gilchrist Student Leader Scholarship recognizes third- or fourth-year students who have demonstrated leadership within organized medicine.
Caleb Bussard completed medical school at Rocky Vista University while actively participating with legislative efforts such as supporting prior authorization reform (HB24-1149). He held leadership roles within both CMS Medical Student Component and CMS RVU Chapter: “Having recently completed medical school at Rocky Vista University, future doctor Bussard has distinguished himself as a passionate leader in organized medicine. As one of the student leaders of the Colorado Medical Society Council on Legislation, he played a role in passing Colorado’s prior authorization reform bill (HB24-1149), advocating directly with lawmakers and the media. He served as co-chair of the CMS Medical Student Component and president of the CMS RVU Chapter, where he launched public health fundraisers and student engagement initiatives. A recent inductee into Omega Beta Iota, he is committed to advancing health care policy, equity, and access through advocacy and service.”
Helena Heister founded an American Medical Women’s Association chapter at her university before continuing advocacy work at CU School of Medicine: “From founding her university’s American Medical Women’s Association chapter to testifying on opioid legislation, future doctor Heister has long championed inclusion and advocacy in medicine. She co-led efforts to support underserved communities and underrepresented students while working to bridge gaps in health education. Her policy journey continued at the CU School of Medicine, where she co-led the CMS student chapter, joined the Northern Colorado Medical Society board, and advocated for payment reform at the AMA National Advocacy Conference. With deep roots in grassroots organizing and legislative action, she exemplifies the power of collaborative leadership in shaping a more equitable and responsive health care system.”
Ellie Laughlin drove from Sterling to Denver earlier this year so she could testify on behalf of physician wellbeing legislation: “On Feb. 25, 2025, future doctor Laughlin drove from Sterling to Denver to testify at the Capitol in support of a bill promoting physician wellbeing. A Colorado native and medical student passionate about advocacy, she’s previously testified at AMA national conferences and served in student leadership roles with the Colorado Medical Society. Now training in rural Sterling, she’s inspired by physicians delivering full-spectrum care and supporting her passion for policy change. That day at the Capitol, her advocacy came full circle as the bill passed – affirming her belief that engaged, well-supported physicians are key to strengthening care for patients across Colorado.”
These scholarships reflect ongoing efforts by organizations such as the Colorado Medical Society Foundation to address healthcare workforce shortages—especially those affecting underserved regions—and recognize students making significant contributions both locally and statewide.
