Congratulations to the
2022 Diversity Scholarship Winners!
The AAAA Diversity Scholarship enhances opportunities within the CAA profession by developing an inclusive profession for people of all backgrounds to pursue their passion for patient care. In the 2022 season, we had many wonderful applicants and three amazing finalists, whom we shine a spotlight on below:
James Wanjama
Emory University
I am a first semester student at Emory University School of Medicine Master of Medical Science Program in Anesthesiologist Assistant, class of 2024.
I am beyond words to express my gratitude on being a recipient of this scholarship award. I am very honored, and humbled that the AAAA scholarship committee would consider someone like me, with my background and whose English is a second language. This is a testament to my two young boys that it doesn’t matter where you come from, or how you look as long as you work hard, treat everyone with dignity and respect and give 100% of your all to everything you do, you have an equal opportunity to succeed.
From my own personal experiences, I saw what it meant to be a patient at your most vulnerable time, and also what it meant to have someone trusted taking care of you at such a time. This is what aspired me to start my journey of becoming an Anesthetist, and today I am a step closer to achieving that goal.
Ricky Miller
Indiana University
I am from Virginia Beach, VA where I spent most of my life until I moved to Indianapolis to attend IU School of Medicine’s Anesthesiologist Assistant Program. My experience as a first year student has been nothing short of challenging yet rewarding. The IU health system pools in a rather diverse patient population where having diversity in your healthcare team is at its most importance.
Anesthesia is trust, and trust at times can be established simply by patients identifying with their healthcare professional. I am honored to be a recipient of the Diversity Scholarship as well as a part of such an important profession.
Richa S. Patel
Emory University
Hi everyone! I am a first year SAA at Emory University. I earned my undergraduate degree in Finance at the University of Georgia where I founded the UGA Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant Association.
During my time as Co-President, I had the opportunity to learn how important diversity in healthcare is for patient representation.
I am honored to be a recipient of the 2022 AAAA Diversity Scholarship and represent my community. I strive to provide other minority students with better access to a career in healthcare and build a workplace sensitive to cultural disparities.