Meet our AHEC Scholars!

I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I am a first-generation Libyan-American and grew up in a small town outside of Indianapolis, IN. I graduated from Purdue University with my bachelor’s and master’s in Biology and double minor in Chemistry and Neuroscience. Before medical school, I worked as a program coordinator for the IUPUI Life-Health Sciences Internship program in Indianapolis, IN.

As a future physician, I aspire to use my love of learning and teaching to actively be engaged with Milwaukee communities to better understand and address the unique healthcare needs and disparities we face. As an AHEC Scholar, I hope to collaborate with other rising healthcare professionals in learning about and creating a diverse and welcoming healthcare environment focused on patient advocacy, health policy, improving health literacy, and provider cultural humility. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or gardening as well as exploring new places and its history while connecting with people.

Hi, I'm Endia, a Milwaukee native! One of my favorite hobbies is graphic design. I'm currently enrolled in Marquette's Direct Entry-Masters of Science in Nursing Program, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. My commitment to nursing and advocating for patients was strengthened during my participation in the CHIP internship and associated immersions in 2021, where I saw the impact of the AHEC program in educating students about healthcare disparities in Wisconsin. My goal is to become a PMHNP, and I'm dedicated to using my nursing degree and the AHEC Scholars program to advocate for patients and drive systemic changes in healthcare.

I am current student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where I also work in the Department of Surgery’s Division of Research. I am particularly interested in expanding my professional network through the AHEC program and connecting with others in the public health field. A fun fact about me: I am a wine enthusiast and love exploring new wines in my free time!

I am a 2nd year medical student at MCW and graduated in 2021 from UW-Milwaukee with a BS in Biochemistry. While an undergraduate, I founded the Mbama Care Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in response to the growing issues of maternal and infant mortality in The Gambia. I aspire to practice both abroad and within the US, using my platform to raise funds for clinics in The Gambia and conduct research on ways to reduce unnecessary mortality, such as the number of deaths during childbirth.

My interests include global health disparities and women’s health, many of which stemmed from my upbringing in The Gambia. As a medical student, I served as co-president of the Student National Medical Association, and recently received a grant to educate medical students on building cultural humility. Additionally, I completed a global health research fellowship in Uganda last year investigating the impact of COVID-19 on cancer control and prevention.

I am a pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin and recently graduated from St. Norbert College in 2023 with a BS in Natural Science. As a AHEC Scholar, I want to focus on ways interdisciplinary teams and pharmacists can improve access to quality care, whether that's through patient education, preventative health, or hands-on community work. While in pharmacy school, I am pursing a research concentration with the hopes of becoming a clinical pharmacist in an underserved community. In my free time, you can find me reading a book, trying out a new recipe, or exploring a new place!

I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I grew up in several states across the U.S. and call the San Francisco Bay Area home. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a double major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Cognitive Science, and a double minor in Chicano Studies and Linguistics. Before starting medical school, I worked as a clinical research coordinator in the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco.

As an aspiring pediatrician, I hope to serve as a teacher, researcher, mentor, and active community member working to understand and address health disparities and increase the diversity of future physicians and scientists. I am excited to have joined AHEC and look forward to developing my skills of cultural humility, community partnership, advocacy, and health education, while also gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by rural and underserved populations in Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy getting outdoors with my husband, son, and dog.

I am a third-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona as a first-generation Mexican American. I graduated from New York University in 2019 with a major in Neuroscience. Upon entering medical school, I joined as one of the co-coordinators for MEDiC Southside, a free clinic in Madison that primarily serves Spanish-speaking patients.

Currently, I am partnering on a community project with Sixteenth Street Clinic in Milwaukee to help lead mental health workshops in Spanish through a program called Raíces. I am also working with Dr. Maria Mora Pinzon to develop a community-based educational intervention on dementia in Spanish. As I progress through my medical training, I hope to continue to advocate for the health of Latine individuals and help reduce health disparities in underserved communities.

Hi, I was born in Chicago, IL moved to Milwaukee, WI when I was 6 years old. I currently attend University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in Nursing. My graduation year is 2026. I plan to attend grad school and obtain my Master’s as a Nurse Practitioner. I joined AHEC Scholars to obtain skills and leadership. I would also like to participate in job shadowing opportunities. A fun fact about me, I’m a boy mom. I have four lovely boys who are the reason I strive for success.

I am a medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program. I'm from Philadelphia, PA and graduated from UW-Madison in 2019 with a degree in Psychology. Prior to medical school, I worked as a scribe at primary care clinics in Philly where I was part of a multidisciplinary team that managed the complex care of patients from underserved neighborhoods. I plan to specialize in Psychiatry and work on reducing stigma around mental health and improving access to mental health care in underserved communities. I'm looking forward to being an AHEC Scholar and learning from my peers how to use skills and knowledge gained in our respective disciplines to improve the health of the communities we hope to serve. In my spare time you can find me doing yoga, reading, or binge watching tv/movies!

I am currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and will be starting the Professional Nursing Program in the spring of 2024. My nursing interests currently focus on psychiatric care and women’s health. As a new mom, these areas have become especially meaningful to me, and I am passionate about making a difference in the care provided to patients in these fields.

I joined AHEC Scholars because of the incredible exposure the program offers. With opportunities for immersions, skill-building, and networking with healthcare professionals, I saw it as an amazing chance to grow both personally and professionally. A fun fact that I am thrilled to share is that my first clinical experience in the nursing program will be at the Veterans Association Hospital. I look forward to gaining valuable exposure and insight into psych and trauma nursing, which will help shape my career path. I am so grateful to be part of the AHEC Scholars program and excited for what lies ahead!

 I am a pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I have an undergrad background in public health and currently am in a population health concentration at my pharmacy school. I am looking forward to learning about more ways that pharmacy can intertwine with community health. When I am not studying, I enjoy building puzzles and dressing my dog Pablo in sweaters and taking him for walks. 

 I am currently a pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I received my Bachelor of Science from Alverno College in 2023 through the 3+3 Dual degree program. While in pharmacy school, I am pursuing an academic concentration in specialty pharmacy practice with a longitudinal focus on pediatrics with a goal of helping children in underserved communities. One fun fact about me is that I have three cats and enjoy kayaking!

Hi All! My name is Maggie and I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin's Milwaukee Campus set to graduate in 2026. I am originally from the southside of Chicago, but have called Wisconsin home since 2016 when I began undergrad at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to complete a Master of Public Health degree at the UWSMPH (which was quite the experience during the pandemic!). After completing my MPH, I made the move to Milwaukee to begin my MD journey at MCW.

I am currently working toward my goal of becoming a pediatric specialist with interests in critical care and newborn medicine. I have had the great experience of being involved in clinical and community based research throughout my academic career, focusing on the care of maternal and child health. I joined the AHEC Scholars because I knew I wanted to give back to the underrepresented groups of the state that has provided so much of the foundation for my healthcare career goals.

As someone who has had the privilege of experiencing many of the vibrant and diverse communities Wisconsin has to offer, I feel so appreciative I have the opportunity to continue my lifelong learning and hopefully aid in the health goals and aspirations of the amazing groups in my Milwaukee area and the state as a whole! When I'm not busy studying for clinical exams, I love playing rugby as a way to stay active and relieve stress. It is a great community of diverse people who inspire me to be involved every day!

I am a third year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program. I was born and raised in Palestine and moved to Wisconsin in 10th grade. As a first generation student, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020 with a Bachelors in both Neuroscience and Psychology. Through the TRIUMPH program, I am partnered with Hanan Refugees Relief Group in Milwaukee to address maternal health barriers and disparities. We developed a maternal health education program for pregnant refugees that provides culturally sensitive information on prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. As I pursue my career in healthcare, I hope to continue my efforts in advocating for underserved communities and giving back to my community. I am excited to be a part of AHEC to learn about our many communities here in Wisconsin and work with interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare access and barriers.

I am a 3rd year medical student at MCW. I was born and raised in the northern Milwaukee area, and I am appreciative that I get to learn about medicine within my own community. I received my BA in History from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Before starting medical school, I worked for three years as an emergency medicine scribe where I gained invaluable patient-facing experience.

When I grow up, I want to be an emergency medicine physician. I am passionate about the social issues that our community faces and working to address them as one of the first line health care providers. I am ecstatic to join the AHEC cohort because I not only want to continue to engage with the members of my community who are most in need, but I am also excited to grow into a better clinician through the opportunities afforded to me with this experience. In my free time, I love listening to true crime podcasts, reading, baking, and spending time with my family!

I was born and raised in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area in Minnesota and also obtained my BA in Physiology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I am currently a dual degree MD/MPH student at UW Madison. Through exploring specialities in medical school, I have come to love the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. I am currently completing my MPH year and have found several unique and interesting intersections between public health and plastic surgery research. I love that these two passions comprise different elements of quality of life and unique opportunities to improve quality of life on varying scales. When I’m not studying or buried in a research project, I enjoy movement of all kinds including dancing, walking, running, roller blading, strength training, and kickboxing. I also love cooking and trying new foods.

Hello! My name is Andrew Labott, and I am a third-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin, set to graduate in 2026. I’m originally from southeastern Wisconsin, where I was born and raised. My career goal is to pursue a surgical specialty while also working on policies that address social determinants of health to improve patient outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. I joined the AHEC Scholars Program because I am passionate about building relationships with communities and expanding my understanding of healthcare challenges in rural and underserved areas. A fun fact about me: I have a tattoo of the Colorado flag while I was backpacking there for two weeks after graduating high school.

I am a second year pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Wisconsin Lutheran College through the 3+3 Dual degree program. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family! My current interests include community health and advancing the pharmacy profession.

I am working to implement a survey in pharmacies to identify patients who may be experiencing loneliness and refer them to a mental health service provider. Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare workers, so utilizing community pharmacies to implement screenings can provide greater awareness and education on topics such as social isolation. By joining AHEC Scholars, my goal is to further understand members of my community by creating lasting connections and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I obtained my undergraduate degree from UW-Madison. I am currently studying Community Health Sciences (MPH) at UCLA and will be graduating in 2026. After participating in the Community Health Internship Program, joining the AHEC Scholars program seemed like the natural continuation of my public health journey. One fun fact about me is that I have 2 cats named Robin and Kitten.

I am a medical student at UW-Madison SMPH and will be graduating in 2026! I was born and raised in the Milwaukee area. I hope to work within an urban setting and provide a sense of community to my patients despite living in a large city. I am excited to be working with AHEC so that I can gain the knowledge and skills to understand the population landscape and health needs of WI. With that understanding, I can better serve as a physician for others. In my free time, I love to cook, bake, check out restaurants, watch films, travel and be outside!

My name is Cordero McCall and I am a third-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin with the anticipated graduation date of 2026. I spent most of my life between New York City and Upstate New York. I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degrees at SUNY Albany. In later years, I earned Master of Business at Saint Louis University in hopes of utilizing both my MBA and MPH during my medical endeavors.

I joined AHEC to better understand how to bridge the gap between underserved populations and increase access to care for these vulnerable populations. My ultimate goal is to become an Orthopaedic Surgeon and create educational opportunities for marginalized communities. My research interests are largely focused on creating more equitable environments for the underserved and advancing health equity. My projects are largely focused on basic, translational, clinical, and population science. My current research projects include colorectal men’s health, prostate cancer, orthopaedics, chronic diseases, and global health. Fun fact about me is I play piano and use to be the choir director for my local church

My name is Leah Mushall, I am a third year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and I will be graduating in 2026. I am from New Berlin, WI. I hope to become a doctor in Internal Medicine, and either practice Primary Care, Hospital Medicine or both! I joined AHEC Scholars because I hope to eventually work in WI in an urban/underserved setting, and I also did the AHEC CHIP program during my undergrad and had a great experience. A fun fact about me is if you are ever traveling through Terminal C of the MKE Airport, you might spot me on an advertisement for the Milwaukee County Zoo feeding a giraffe, my favorite animal! :)

My name is Star Purdle and I am currently pursuing a degree in Public Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin with a strong interest in health equity and maternal health. I am originally from Milwaukee, WI, and I am deeply invested in addressing health disparities in my community. My academic focus is on understanding and improving the health outcomes of underserved populations, especially women and mothers, in both urban and rural settings.

I joined the AHEC Scholars program because I am passionate about expanding my knowledge and experience in health equity, particularly through community engagement and interprofessional collaboration. I believe that AHEC Scholars will provide me with valuable resources and a network to help me achieve my career goal of becoming a leader in public health, advocating for policies that improve access to healthcare and maternal services for all individuals, regardless of background. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy hiking and exploring nature trails around the Milwaukee area, which helps me recharge and stay motivated in my studies!

I am a current graduate student at UW-Milwaukee Zilber College of Public Health. My focus is on Community Behavioral Health Promotion. In May of 2020, I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alverno College. I decided to go into public health because I saw the inequality of health care access and quality through my community and other marginalized communities. I’m eager to help individuals connect with science and health in a space that is supportive and gives them the power they need to further advocate for their health and wellbeing. I look forward to applying my education and experience in the community. In my free time you can find me going for walks, listening to music, or spending time with family and friends.

I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I am from Salisbury, NC and completed my undergraduate degree in Biology with minors in genetics and psychology at North Carolina State University. I grew up as an only child and spent every summer visiting family in Puerto Rico until my high school years. I am interested in pursuing primary care, specifically family medicine, as this specialty combines my love for both pediatrics and geriatrics as well as community medicine. 

I am a strong advocate for working alongside communities to highlight the importance of improving one’s cultural humility, recognizing barriers to healthcare, and addressing social determinants of health needs when caring for patients. I am excited to join AHEC to learn more about specific vulnerable populations found here in Wisconsin, including the ways I can help make healthcare more accessible for them and for all. In my free time, I enjoy the visual arts, attending theater productions/concerts/other cool artsy events in town, and watching movies, specifically 80’s classics and horror films.

Hello, my name is Aiman and I am medical student at the University of Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, planning to graduate in 2026. I immigrated to the US from Pakistan when I was 4 years old and grew up in Milwaukee, WI. I aspire to work as a physician in an urban community like Milwaukee that serves a diverse minority/underserved population, and I hope to work on issues of health equity, healthcare access, and social determinants of health in that community.

I joined AHEC Scholars to broaden my understanding of the healthcare that shapes our Wisconsin communities as well as have the opportunities to engage with individuals in various healthcare professions in interdisciplinary work. When I'm not in school, I enjoy reading, watching k-dramas, and traveling. I love going to different countries and trying new food and immersing in the culture of a new place. A fun fact about me is that my family recently got into beekeeping and we have a few beehives that have given an abundance of honey in the last few years!

I am a junior at University of WI La Crosse, with plans to graduate in 2026, with hopes of attending Grad school for epidemiology which is my ultimate career goal. I grew up in Roberts, WI. I joined AHEC as it seemed like a really good opportunity to immerse myself more in public health and learn more about current health issues.

My name is Anna Trautner and I am about to finish my J1 semester at UWO in the BSN program. My graduation year is 2026. My hometown is Oak creek, Wisconsin. My career goal is to be a PICU nurse and possibly return to school to be a nurse practitioner. I joined AHEC Scholars to expand my learning opportunities past what school and work teaches me. A fun fact about me is I did all-star cheer and then cheered at UWO for 11 years total!

I am from the Greater Milwaukee Area and currently a third-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with plans to become a surgeon. I joined AHEC to deepen my knowledge of the diverse population that we serve in Wisconsin and work with an interdisciplinary team to address barriers to health faced by our communities. When I am not in school, you can find me exploring the outdoors or traveling with my friends and family.

I'm a Nigeian-American Muslim who's currently a medical student in the class of 2026 at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I lived most of my life in Ashland, Massachusetts. I plan to become a psychiatrist and work for underserved populations which made me want to join AHEC Scholars so that I can immerse myself in several underserved communities in Wisconsin. I can't wait to learn more during these experiences! A fun fact is that I have a twin sister!