Every act of generosity has the power to transform lives, and for medical students like Kristen Sportiello, the support of donors makes an extraordinary difference. As a recipient of a Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship funded by American Medical Association employees, she is pursuing her passion for child neurology with a renewed focus, free from some of the financial pressures associated with medical education.

Sportiello’s journey began at the University of Evansville, leading her to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2020. Throughout medical school, she discovered her deep passion for working with children and understanding the complexities of the brain. This passion has driven her to pursue a child neurology residency in fall 2025, where she hopes to make a lasting impact on young patients and their families.

Recently, she dedicated a year to research projects that address pressing medical issues, including studies on children and adolescents living with HIV in Zambia, neurofilament light chain levels in neurocysticercosis, and ZC4H2-associated rare disorders. Her work extends beyond research—she is also involved in health equity initiatives, focusing on lead poisoning prevention.

“The cost of medical school is staggering, and scholarship aid reduces the stress associated with student loan balance.

For Sportiello, the privilege of becoming a physician is about more than just treating patients—it is about advocating for better health care policies, advancing groundbreaking research, and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, receive the care they deserve. However, the financial burden of medical school often weighs heavily on students, influencing career choices and limiting opportunities.

Thanks to the generosity of AMA employees who contribute to Physicians of Tomorrow scholarships, Sportiello can concentrate on what truly matters: learning, researching, and advocating for her future patients.

“The cost of medical school is staggering, and scholarship aid reduces the stress associated with student loan balances,” she shares. “It also makes it easier for medical school graduates to work in underserved areas by reducing how much they have to consider salary.”

Beyond financial relief, her scholarship has ignited a sense of purpose—to give back to the next generation of aspiring physicians one day. “This gift has inspired me to pay it forward and help medical students in the future,” she says.

“This scholarship has dramatically improved my financial situation, reduced stress, and allowed me to focus on what matters most: learning to care for patients and working on research that benefits marginalized communities.

By supporting the Physicians of Tomorrow program, donors are funding education while investing in the future of medicine. This ensures that passionate, dedicated individuals like Sportiello can focus on making a difference where it matters most. Their generosity shapes the next generation of physicians, researchers, and advocates, proving that every gift has a lasting impact, no matter the size.

Thank you to all who give to the AMA Foundation. Your support not only eases financial burdens but also fuels the dreams of future physicians who will go on to change lives, one patient at a time.

Visit the AMA Foundation website to learn more about the Physicians of Tomorrow program and to support medical student scholarships.