b'WWW.MARSHALL.EDU/FOUNDATIONThe Strength of ScholarshipsDrs. Touma have been a beacon of light throughout my medicalthose close to her who school journey. From the first day when I was handed thehave had minimal stethoscope, to the beautiful video I received as a scholarshipexperiences in the recipient, they have constantly brought joy into my medicalAmerican education education and career. With a heart of gratitude and the warmestsystem. Her favorite smile, I would like to say thank you for sowing the seed of givingthing about Marshall is so that I can do the same in the future, said Mercy Babatope, athe opportunity to work recipient of the Touma Family Foundation Scholarship. with notable physicians. She has benefitted from Graduating from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicinethe small class sizes, (JCESOM) in 2021, Mercy looks forward to starting residency andwhich she believes traveling, once the pandemic ends. She believes that self-isolationhas provided a better has been the biggest challenge she faced during the virtual springlearning environment semester, especially as an out-of-state student with elderly parents.because of the one-on-Because of seeing patients through her clinical hours, she could notone discussions with go home, and Mercy has tried to abide by the social distancingprofessors. Medical regulations.school has provided numerous opportunities, I believe the pandemic reiterated one of my beliefs: a policybut Mercys favorite was does not have to benefit or protect you for you to support it. In ourgoing to Thomas Jefferson University after she completed her first society where we value individuality and hard work, the conceptyear to conduct research. of the common good sometimes becomes forgotten. The pandemic called to action the young and healthy to protect our elderly andMarshall encourages their medical students to engage in research vulnerable. This is a reminder to be aware of guidelines andin several ways, including matching students with faculty and medical policies that could affect my patient population, and to bementors and providing a stipend to offset costs during that period. I an advocate against policies I believe may be detrimental to theirfound this to be very beneficial and achieved a publication from this health, Mercy said.opportunity, said Mercy, who believes her adaptability and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships makes her most unique. Although Mercy is a resident of Maryland, she grew up in Ibadan, Nigeria, where self-diagnosis and self-medication were normal forDuring her time at the JCESOM, Mercy has been involved with the society. She witnessed a health care system that did not supportStudent National Medical Association, Marshall Medical Outreach patients, which caused a lack of support resulting in individuals notand Big Brothers Big Sisters. She hopes that Marshall continues to receiving treatment for preventable diseases. For this reason, Mercygraduate culturally competent individuals who are aware of how sought out medical schools that would provide education aboutsocial constructs affect availability and access to health care. serving rural communities.In addition to being a recipient of the Touma Family Foundation Scholarship, Mercy also receives the Dr. Amir Rashid Piracha, School of Medicine Class of 2006 and Joan C. Edwards One of my life goals is to work with DoctorsCharitable Foundation Scholarships. She is thankful for the support without Borders and build a hospital in Nigeria,she has received - financial, educational, emotional and mental, as said Mercy. Marshall has done a great jobit reminds her that people are cheering for her success. providing efficient health care services to theEvery physician looks back to their medical school career and Appalachian people. I hope I can learn aboutthere were days that were tougher than others, Mercy said. For their model and take it back to Nigeria to start ame, my scholarships were what gave me the extra push I needed nonprofit hospital. to carry on during those times. I viewed my scholarships as an investment in my education and it motivated me to work harder to ensure that these gifts were put to the best use. The alumni providing A first-generation student in undergraduate school and medicalthese scholarships are replenishing the strength of students to carry school, Mercy has found her greatest challenge to be makingon throughout their medical careers.decisions based on what feels right with little guidance from Thank you for your kindness, generosity, belief and support of Marshall University, our students, faculty and staff. You are why we are on the rise!'