Scholars
Our Scholars are learners working towards becoming impactful, community-engaged health professionals. The training program they complete provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate community-based projects. They also receive professional development and applicant coaching that has been developed to help them be healthy, successful, high-performing health professionals.
2025-2026 Scholars
Kiara Corona
Aspiring Physician
B.S. in Biology
Cincinnati, OH
Kiara is completing her Bachelor of Science at The Ohio State University and will graduate in May 2026. Motivated by her family's immigrant background and passion for health equity, she is excited to grow in her professional skills and engage in community-based projects as a IHC scholar.
Impact of Scholars Experience
Through the Institute, I have developed a strong understanding of the research process and have been able to apply skills learned here to other projects and assignments completed as part of my undergraduate coursework.
Hope for Career Impact
I plan to utilize culturally competent care and evidence-based practices to create a more equitable healthcare environment for those from marginalized communities.
Breanna Fosu
Aspiring Physician
B.S. in Biology
Columbus, OH
Breanna is a student at The Ohio State University with a passion for medicine and learning about health disparities and equity.
Impact of Scholars Experience
My experience with the Institute has deepened my understanding of health promotion, and the various strategies used to present it to the public.
Hope for Career Impact
I hope to advance equity in medicine by addressing health disparities, providing compassionate care and mentoring future health leaders.
Alyssa Frajter
Aspiring Physician
B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minor in Spanish
Brecksville, OH
Alyssa is an undergraduate at The Ohio State University working towards her bachelors degree and planning on attending medical school in the future. She started as a research assistant within the lab and is now a part of the first cohort of scholars at the institute.
Impact of Scholars Experience
Through the Institute, I have been able to participate in many meaningful discussions about health and accessibility to health which has allowed me to learn about many aspects of the healthcare system that current and future healthcare professionals are working to improve and ways that I am able to help contribute to this improvement.
Hope for Career Impact
I hope to become a physician in my future and work to improve access, outcomes, and equity within healthcare for individuals in marginalized communities.
Lucas Glock
Aspiring Patient Scientist
B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Minor in Disability Studies
New Jersey
Lucas is a patient scientist who aspires to leverage lived experience with disability to inform and advance patient-centered research, medical education, and clinical care through doctoral training.
Impact of Scholars Experience
The Institute has provided me with a deeper understanding of the rigorous process of educational and medical research. Furthermore, it has empowered me to reach outside of my comfort zone and excel in leadership and teaching roles both within and outside of the organization.
Hope for Career Impact
I hope to shape research and medical education in ways that center patient experience, leading to more accurate diagnosis, better-informed clinicians, and improved outcomes for patients with complex and underrepresented conditions.
Tate Reed Hutchinson
Aspiring Physician
B.S. in Biology, Minors in Chemistry & Creative Writing
Andover, KS
Tate is an aspiring medical student and freshman attending the University of Tulsa. He hopes to learn and enable unique perspectives in the healthcare space to ensure satisfactory and equitable healthcare in his community.
Impact of Scholars Experience
I have learned about the importance of the identity of patients in the healthcare setting. Ethnicity, identitiy, and expression can all lead to inequitable healthcare outcomes, which I hope to fight against.
Hope for Career Impact
I hope to leverage interpersonal connection and kindness in order to foster more accepting, caring, and inclusive communities.
Jayde McKinnie-Myers
Aspiring Physician
B.S. in Psychology
Cincinnati, OH
Jayde is attending The Ohio State University working to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in May of 2026. She plans to apply to medical school and pursue a career that enables her to work with underrepresented populations and create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that their concerns are taken seriously.
Impact of Scholars Experience
One of the most impactful things I have learned is that the role of a physician extends beyond patient treatment. They also assume the responsibilities of educators, researchers, and record keepers, among other duties.
Hope for Career Impact
My goal is to contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and increase accessibility and comprehension regarding mental health and mental healthcare, especially within underrepresented communities.
Mykenna Roy
Aspiring Physician & Public Health Professional
B.S. in Biology, B.A. in Public Affairs
Cleveland, OH
Mykenna is a rising MPH student who is deaf in both ears and also works as a part time EMT. In her free time, Mykenna teaches jiu jitsu and self defense techniques, and enjoys outdoor rock climbing with her friends.
Impact of Scholars Experience
Through my time with the IHC, I’ve learned from and appreciated the authenticity and direct mentorship that this wonderful team of Scholars has provided. I’ve learned so much simply from interacting with such a diverse group of individuals, and analyzing publications in-depth has shown me how much care and intention it takes to evaluate research responsibly.
Hope for Career Impact
I am passionate about emergency medicine, disaster mitigation, and the health disparities that stem from climate change. I hope to care for patients both in the exam room and on the policy floor, providing direct care while also advocating for long-term, systemic reform.
Maria José Castaño Serrano
Aspiring Physician
B.S. in Biology, Minor in Psychology
Lebanon, OH
Maria José recently graduated from Ohio State and plans to apply to medical school in the upcoming cycle. Outside of her studies, she loves collecting records, reading, crafting, and hanging out with friends—activities that help her unwind and stay creative.
Impact of Scholars Experience
My time as part of the Institute has taught me how essential it is to approach healthcare with empathy and inclusivity, especially for underserved and marginalized communities. It helped me realize the power of open conversations in shaping a more accessible and supportive future for everyone.
Hope for Career Impact
I hope to build a career dedicated to delivering compassionate, equitable, and patient-centered care to all communities with dignity and respect, especially within Hispanic communities. My goal is to address systemic barriers, build trust, and advocate for care that respects language, culture, and lived experiences.
Becoming an Institute for Healthier Communities Scholar
Selection: New Scholars are selected by the Institute Leadership based on their alignment with the mission of the Institute and the potential for the program to enhance the learner’s ability to have a positive impact on their community.
Eligibility: Learners who are known to a member of the Institute Leadership are eligible to be extended an opportunity to apply. The best way to become eligible is to attend a public event. At the end of each event, learners will be provided with information on how to arrange a meeting with Dr. Michael Ioerger. Click here to see upcoming events.
Time Commitment: Participating in the Scholars program requires a 2 hours per week commitment during the Fall and Spring academic semesters. 1 hour per week is spent in the weekly Scholars training session, and 1 hour is spent on preparation and assigned tasks. There may be opportunities to engage with community-based projects beyond the core time commitment, but this is not required.
Opportunities: Scholars have access to:
- training designed to help pre-med students become impactful, community-engaged physicians
- 1-on-1 check-ins and individual professional coaching with Dr. Ioerger
- application coaching, personal statement coaching, and interview prep with Dr. Ioerger
- the Institute’s alumni network
- opportunities to engage on community-based projects