b'The Impact of AppreciationMy first introduction to Drs. Touma was during my freshman yearDespite knowing how to cook, I was used to home cooked meals of undergrad. I quickly understood how important and renownedbeing the quality of my mothers, something I clearly could not they were in the community. They have made such a big impactamount to, he said.on several different aspects of the city and they set a wonderful standard to aspire to be, said Alhaji Mohammed, a recipient ofDuring the Spring 2020 semester, Alhaji faced the challenge of the Touma Foundation Scholarship. To receive a scholarship fromadjusting his studies due to virtual learning. He was in a rotation, them not only reduces the burden of expenses that comes withwhich he describes as odd because of clinicals getting suspended, school, but it is a constant reminder of the responsibility and supportand he discovered that he had more free time. that I have throughout the journey. Its analogous to the concept of standing on the shoulders of giants. It was a weird adjustment because there was still the responsibility of studying for my exams. The realization that I had more free time A native of Koforidua, Ghana, Alhaji is a fourth-year medicaldampened my motivation to study, even though I would have to student who is expected to graduate in May 2021. In additionstudy more intensely since there was not the opportunity to actively to receiving the Touma Foundation Scholarship, he has beenlearn while in the hospital, said Alhaji, who became more aware awarded the Walter E. Duling and the Joan C. Edwards Charitableof the prevalent health disparities in the country and world during Foundation Scholarships, all of which make him proud andthis time.appreciative. COVID has notably been more damaging to low-income and An alumnus of Marshall University, Alhaji received hisminority populations. Health care has always been limited in undergraduate degree in biochemistry in 2017. He chose to studythese communities. As health care professionals, I think we need medicine to positively affect many people in a well-respected field.to become more aware of our shortcomings, biases, and the Alhaji was very fond of Huntington and knew the Joan C. Edwardslimitations of our systems. We need to be proactive about being School of Medicine (JCESOM) and its students emphasized theequitable, as well as making health care more accessible and family aspect, as it is his brothers alma mater, and was impressedquality for the communities that tend to need it most.by the kind and helpful administration at the JCESOM during the application process.Alhaji is involved in the JCESOM Student National Medical Association (SNMA), where he is currenlty the treasurer; the Throughout my undergraduateMulticultural Advisory Committee; Project P.R.E.M.E.D. (Providing and medical school career,Real World Experiences for future Marshall Educated Doctors); there have been severalHealth Care Pipeline Initiative; and Marshall Medical Outreach. administrators and facultyOn his educational journey, he is most thankful for the people he members that have beenhas met from diverse backgrounds as it has allowed him to grow supportive and available to meand understand the experiences and mindsets of others, which will whenever I needed. allow him to better serve his patients throughout his career. He is thankful for alumni who give back and reduce the financial burdens Upon his graduation, Alhaji isfor many generations of students.leaning towards a residency in pediatrics, although he is still considering anesthesia.HisI want to thank Drs. Touma for their scholarship. favorite thing about Marshall isThey are some of the most important figures in the community and he hopesthe Huntington community, and regardless of to have acquired skills that willwhat community I serve, I want to have as much allow him to adapt to future environments and situations heof an impact as they have had on Huntington. will encounter.They are incredible role models for any person, whether they are in healthcare or not.One of Alhajis favorite opportunities at Marshall was being a member of the Society of Black Scholars during his undergraduate studies. He recalls the annual dinner that allowed students to meet with the deans and provosts, which in turn allowed students to network and get to know them on a personal level. Alhaji resided in the residence halls while pursuing his bachelors degree, where he was a resident advisor. He believes his greatest challenge has been cooking good food, since he now must cook meals for himself.'