Carrying Forward a Legacy of Equity and Impact: Meet the 2025 Vandenberg Scholarship Recipients
Following the passing of Brian Vandenberg this spring, the 2025 Vandenberg Scholars honor his legacy through their commitment to service, leadership, and advancing equity in health care.
The AMA Foundation proudly awarded three scholarships through the Vandenberg Health Equity Fund to a new group of exceptional medical students. These future physician leaders embody the values that defined Brian Vandenberg’s life: justice, equity and service.
A dedicated advocate and former general counsel of the AMA, Vandenberg championed medical education throughout his career. His fund continues that legacy by supporting students committed to advancing equity in health care.
“These scholarships represent more than financial support. They reflect Brian’s vision for a more inclusive and just health system,” said Mary Beth Ellison, president of the AMA Foundation Board of Directors. “We are deeply grateful to the Vandenberg family for their continued partnership and generosity.”
About the Scholarship Recipients
Native American Center for Health Professions Scholarship for Advancing Health Equity
Sydnee Livingston
Family Medicine
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Sydnee Livingston, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is a fourth-year medical student whose journey is rooted in advocacy, service, and Indigenous health. A former staff member of the Native American Center for Health Professions, she was inspired by mentors who championed representation in medicine. Now training to become a family medicine physician, she hopes to serve communities in Indian Country and support future generations of Indigenous physicians.
“Receiving this scholarship inspires me to continue striving for excellence, both in my studies and in my service to the community. I hope to one day pay it forward by supporting future students just as you have supported me.”
David Jones Peck, MD, Scholarship for Health Equity
Delia Sosa
Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Delia Sosa’s journey in medicine is shaped by her intersectional identity and dedication to equitable care. Drawn to emergency medicine, she sees the specialty as a space to unite clinical precision with social advocacy. She plans to serve underserved communities through both practice and outreach.
“Scholarship aid empowers me to prioritize my patients and the communities I serve while reducing the financial burdens of medical school.”
Looking Ahead
The AMA Foundation is honored to invest in these scholars as they pursue careers grounded in leadership, purpose and community. As they shape the future of medicine, they carry forward Brian Vandenberg’s enduring legacy of equity in action.
To honor Brian’s legacy and uplift future physician leaders, consider making a gift to the Vandenberg Health Equity Fund. Your support helps make medical education more accessible and strengthens the next generation of changemakers in health care.
NOTE: A scholarship was awarded through the Vandenberg the DREAM MD Health Equity Scholarship, which assists DACA medical students. In consideration of current events, information on the recipient has been excluded from this article.