Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS Science Scholarship Awarded to Aspiring Physician Iliana Acevedo

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian has announced Iliana Acevedo as the winner of the 2023-2024 Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS Science Scholarship. Acevedo, a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis, was selected based on her academic merit, community service, and financial need.

Acevedo is pursuing a double major in Biology and Anthropology on the premedical track, with aspirations to address healthcare inequities and increase diversity in the medical field. Her selection for this scholarship underscores the growing emphasis on supporting students who aim to make a difference in healthcare accessibility and equity.

As an active member of her university community, Acevedo serves as an EMT with the Emergency Support Team (EST), providing free 24/7 care to her peers. She has also taken on leadership roles within EST, including designing the interview process for new technicians and becoming a CPR instructor. Notably, Acevedo has initiated a pilot program offering CPR classes in Spanish to address health disparities in Hispanic communities.

The scholarship's impact extends beyond financial assistance. It represents a vote of confidence in Acevedo's potential to effect change in the medical field. In her response to winning the award, Acevedo expressed her gratitude and hope to pay it forward in the future, stating, "Someday I hope to be in a similar position where I can give back to students like this."

Dr. Kezian's commitment to supporting science students through this scholarship highlights the ongoing need for financial assistance in higher education, particularly in competitive STEM fields. By alleviating some of the financial burden, the scholarship allows recipients like Acevedo to focus more on their studies and community involvement.

The announcement of this year's scholarship winner serves as a reminder of the importance of private sector involvement in supporting education and fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. It also emphasizes the value of recognizing and nurturing talent that aims to address critical issues in healthcare, such as diversity and equity.

As the scholarship program continues, it not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more diverse and equitable healthcare system. The success of recipients like Acevedo may inspire other professionals and businesses to create similar opportunities, potentially leading to a more supportive ecosystem for aspiring healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds.