“As a first-generation Ghanaian American, I didn’t grow up knowing what a physician associate was. There weren’t many people around me who could explain the profession or show me what the path looked like. There were times I questioned whether I belonged, whether I was capable, and how I was going to afford PA school. On top of the academic demands, there was the financial reality of pursuing a graduate education, and that can feel overwhelming. But don’t let fear make the decision for you.

PA school challenged me in ways I never expected. I hope students, especially those who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine or who are the first in their families to pursue this path, know that they belong here. Your background, your story, and your experiences are strengths. One day, a patient may see themselves in you, feel understood because of you, or trust you because you’ve walked a path they recognize. That’s one of the greatest gifts you can bring to this profession. One day, I hope to be in a position where I can invest in someone else’s dream the way the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship invested in mine.”

—Bernadette Amofa, 2026 Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship Recipient

“I’m from rural South Dakota, and I’m starting my career in family medicine in a rural Iowa community of about 1,100 people. Access to care in small towns like that is a real gap, and it’s the gap I want to help fill.

The scholarship made a direct difference. It reduced my loan burden, and it helped cover real costs along the way, like traveling for clinical rotations and buying study materials for the PANCE. Getting to focus more on becoming a good clinician and less on how to pay for it meant a lot, and I’m grateful for the support.”

—Ty Dunse, 2026 William H. Marquardt Community Health Access Scholarship Recipient

“PA school has been the most rewarding challenge I have encountered. It is demanding academically, financially, and personally, but you do not have to navigate those challenges alone. Programs have resources in place to support students, but you have to be willing to seek them out and accept help when you need it.

Receiving the PAF scholarship gave me something incredibly valuable: time. It allowed me to focus more fully on learning and studying rather than picking up additional bartending shifts to help cover expenses.

I am grateful not only for the additional time I was able to dedicate to my education, but also for the difference it made in the mental and financial strain I was carrying. The scholarship gave me room to breathe during a demanding season of PA school and allowed me to redirect my energy toward becoming the best student and future PA I could be. I am incredibly grateful for that support.”

—Madison Casey, 2026 PA Moms Advocacy and Leadership Scholarship Recipient

“As a first-generation student, I understand the financial anxieties tied to this journey and how difficult it can make the decision to pursue this career. I highly encourage prospective students to actively seek out grants and opportunities like the PAF scholarships to help bridge those gaps.

I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of a PAF scholarship, as this helps with the costs of being a full-time student. But most importantly, receiving support from PAF and AAPA demonstrates that there are prominent organizations that truly recognize the importance of advocacy and diversity within this field. It validates the idea that bringing diverse, lived experiences into medicine makes for a more equitable, compassionate, and holistic healthcare system. Knowing that this community-focused work is valued empowers me to continue dedicating my time to underserved populations and advocating for patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks.”

—Keanu Leith, 2026 Women in Philanthropy Scholarship Recipient