Scottsdale, Arizona- Since its formal launch in 2019, Scottsdale-based nonprofit ElevateMeD has provided support to 20 African American/Black, Latinx, and Native American medical students from across the country through its flagship Scholars Program, awarding more than $250,000 in scholarships. This Fall, the organization is hosting its third annual, “Explosion of a Dream” fundraising event on the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Hangar One- Red Room (14988 N 78th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260), beginning at 5 pm PDT/8 pm EDT with both virtual and in-person ticket options. The weekend will also feature the first Scholars Summit, a series of live professional development and networking opportunities for the program’s recipients. Presale tickets and donations are now available through September 30th, 2021.

ElevateMeD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by a diverse Board of Directors committed to elevating medicine by providing scholarships, leadership training, mentorship, and financial management education to medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. The organization is led by physician couple Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey and Dr. Gregory Umphrey, who together combated over $500,000 in medical school debt and saw the opportunity to create an organization that removes the barriers many face along their journey.

“As our dream of elevating the field of medicine continues to come to fruition, once again we are proud to take this moment to formally honor our Scholars and celebrate with those who have supported and invested in our dream ”, shares Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, Founder and Executive Director of ElevateMeD. “It is incredibly rewarding to celebrate what we have created together to provide these brilliant and deserving leaders with the very things we wish we had as we navigated our journey as physicians”

Research continues to demonstrate how underrepresentation in medicine directly contributes to the health disparities present in our healthcare systems today. According to the AMA, “underrepresented students face barriers regarding matriculation due to the financial burden of the costs of medical school.” ElevateMeD currently provides each student with a $10,000 scholarship for each year remaining of medical school. The program is in partnership with 14 institutions across the country including Howard University College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, and U.T. Southwestern Medical School.

“This program has helped to make my dreams come true,” exclaims Dr. Anthony Osifuye, an African- American male who was selected as an inaugural program recipient and 2021 graduate of the University of Minnesota. “The program made it possible to apply for other programs due to the reduced financial burden, which also gave me the confidence to pursue my current subspecialty in Interventional Radiology.”

As a hybrid event following COVID19 regulations, the 2021 Explosion of a Dream fundraiser will provide guests the unique opportunity to see the impact of the program by meeting the 2020 and 2021 Scholars, participate in the live auction event while enjoying dinner and live entertainment. The first Breaking Barriers Award will also be presented to physician champion Dr. Dale Okorodudu, author and Founder of BlackMenWhiteCoats and DiverseMedicine, Inc.

Tickets for in person and virtual attendance are available online through September 30, 2021, at register.elevatemed.org. Event sponsorship opportunities are also still available at sponsor.elevatemed.org.


About ElevateMeD
ElevateMeD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to elevating medicine by providing scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and financial management education to future physicians from African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds. Through our Scholars Program, we aim to increase physician workforce diversity and improve cultural competence among physicians to reduce health disparities. Learn more about our mission and vision by visiting elevatemed.org and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @elevatemedinc.

Media Contact:
Keiona Eady
843-312-1027 | [email protected]