AAHPM News

Meet the 2024-2026 Next Gen Scholars Cohort

Join us in celebrating the second cohort of scholars and sponsors for the AAHPM Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine program. This program sponsors postgraduate medical residents interested in hospice and palliative medicine from communities that are underrepresented in the profession’s workforce and leadership and who will be essential as our professional community works together toward centering the needs of those currently marginalized in hospice and palliative medicine.

2024-2026 Scholars

Alexander Evans Ayala, MD MPH
Alameda Health System
Emergency Medicine
PGY-4

Yasmina Hachem, MD
Mount Auburn Hospital
Internal Medicine
PGY-3

Kimberly Mendoza, MD PhD MPH
University of Colorado
Anesthesiology
PGY-4

Tochi Jeffrey Nwaneri Nwosu, MD
Alameda Health System
Internal Medicine
PGY-4

Sheila Okere, MD
Mayo Clinic Florida
Internal Medicine
PGY-3

Daniella Ortiz, MD
University of North Carolina
Family Medicine
PGY-3

Helen Toyer Queenan, MD
University of Colorado
Internal Medicine–Pediatrics
PGY-3

Ciara G. Smith, MD
University of Kentucky
Internal Medicine–Psychiatry
PGY-4

Thank you to the HPM leaders serving as sponsors for the scholars.

Julie Childers, MD FASAM FAAHPM

Heather A. Harris, MD FAAHPM

Kimberly Kopecky, MD MSCI

Dana Lustbader, MD FCCM FAAHPM

Sonia Malhotra, MD MS FAAP FAAHPM

VJ Periyakoil, MD FAGS FAAHPM

Tammie E. Quest, MD FAAHPM

Holly Yang, MD HMDC FACP FAAHPM

For more information, visit aahpm.org/scholarship/next-gen-scholars.