The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) is excited to recognize three outstanding osteopathic medical students selected from among their peers as finalists for the 2021 AOF Golden Ticket Scholarship: Nathan D. Holt III, OMS; Michael W. Kortz, OMS IV; and Carolyn Sayers, OMS III. Of these three finalists, we are proud to announce that Carolyn Sayers, OMS III, is this year's 2021 Golden Ticket Scholarship winner.
National Winner: Carolyn Sayers, OMS III, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus
Student Doctor Sayers is very active on campus, organizing review sessions and raising funds for events, as well as in the community, providing sports exams for school-aged athletes and conducting concussion screenings. She excels in class and rotations, earning high marks and praise from her teachers. “Being selected as a finalist touches my heart and inspires me to work harder by using the experiences that I have gone through this past year to become the type of doctor I know I can be. No matter what, I am driven and committed to go the extra mile for every patient that I will have the privilege to treat.”
Finalist: Nathan D. Holt III, OMS III, A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
A first-generation college student from a working-class family in Los Angeles, Student Doctor Holt is treasurer of his school’s Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society and volunteers twice a month delivering groceries for senior citizens. Prior to starting medical school, he taught science to middle and high schoolers. He is lead investigator on two studies currently underway at ATSU-SOMA regarding opioid overdose resources and efficacy of skills learning in first-year med students. “Awards...have the power to challenge us to become the best versions of ourselves, in hopes of bettering the world around us.”
Finalist: Michael W. Kortz, OMS IV, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCUMB-COM)
Student Doctor Kortz is KCUMB-COM student body president, a research fellow at the University of Colorado, Senior Student Director of Education Resources at KCUMB-COM's Neurosurgery Training Center, and the founder of his school’s Neurosurgery Education and Research Group. He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. “The AOF Golden Ticket Scholarship represents an opportunity to whoever receives it. It represents a promise to ensure a future holistic career changing patients’ lives and honoring the tradition of osteopathic medicine.”
The annual Golden Ticket Scholarship recognizes exceptional osteopathic medical students who carry a financial burden of student loans – those who despite financial obstacles have achieved academic excellence, displayed leadership, made a commitment to community outreach and embody the osteopathic tenants and philosophy. Each finalist receives a $5,000 scholarship, with one winner each year receiving $20,000.
