AMA Foundation Scholarship Recipient Profile

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Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship Recipient Profile

Lara Knudsen

Name: Lara Knudsen
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Scholarship received: 2007 Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship, supported by the Johnson F. Hammond, MD Fund. This scholarship supports a medical student who has a commitment to a career in medical journalism. Lara is a published author, with a book entitled Reproductive Rights in a Global Context and an article on women’s access to health care in Uganda in Women’s Studies Quarterly.
Medical school: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Year in school: Fourth year
Favorite areas of study: Family medicine, ob/gyn

What are your career goals?
After I complete a residency in family medicine, I intend to work both in the United States and internationally, providing care to underserved communities. I would like to work for Indian Health Services, given the deplorable state of health care in many American Indian communities. I also plan to return to Uganda as a physician, to areas where there is very little medical care available. I have also considered pursuing a fellowship in integrative medicine. Regardless of where I end up practicing medicine, I would like to continue writing about my experiences in medicine for a general audience.

How has the Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship helped you?
This substantial scholarship has significantly reduced my loan burden for this last year of medical school. I believe that once I finish my residency program, having less educational debt will make me feel more free to pursue a job in an underserved community. I will not have to be as focused on earning a large income to pay off my debts. Thank you again for all your support.