The Institute for Functional Medicine Scholarship Program Expands Access to Functional Medicine for All

IFM is committed to lowering the barrier of functional medicine training through scholarships and other initiatives to bring functional medicine care into more communities around the globe.

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – September 4, 2024 – The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is proud to announce the recipients for the 2024 Functional Medicine for All Scholarship. This initiative is part of IFM’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to functional medicine, particularly within medically underserved communities.

The Functional Medicine for All Scholarship aims to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive field of functional medicine for practitioners and patients. It is specifically intended for clinicians who are embarking on their certification journey and are dedicated to working with medically underserved communities. This year’s scholarship winners collectively serve an impressive average of 1,432 patients per week.

“We celebrate these dedicated practitioners who are advancing functional medicine care around the globe,” says Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, IFM CEO. “These scholarship recipients are deeply committed to enhancing their medical knowledge and creating a healthcare environment where each patient’s needs are addressed with a personalized, whole person approach and we are honored to support their work.”

Thanks to a generous grant from VoLo Foundation, IFM increased the number of scholarships awarded in 2024 through the Functional Medicine for All Scholarship to a total of 31, including 11 scholarships through the Integrated Medicine for the Underserved (IM4US) and DNPs of Color (DOC) programs.

The full list of 2024 Functional Medicine for All Scholarship winners is detailed below. IFM congratulates each recipient and looks forward to their continued contributions to advancing the transformation of healthcare.

Scholarship Winner, Primary Degree; Location

• Adenike Okeowo, Nurse Practitioner in Community Health; New York
• Ana Archila, Physician Assistant in Family Medicine; Texas
• April Odom, Nurse Practitioner, Family Practice; Illinois
• Audra Hanners, Nurse Practitioner, Family & Psychiatric Mental Health; Ohio
• Benjamin Hayes, MD/DO, Internal Medicine; Georgia
• Gabriela Rocha, Nutrition Professional; Florida
• Gloria Bird, Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine; Tennessee
• Harpreet Takhar, Doctor of Optometry; Canada
• Jacqueline Sakaya, Pharmacist; Michigan
• Jaime Stewart, Physician Assistant in Family Medicine; Nevada
• Jill Baldwin, Nurse Practitioner, Family Practice; Kentucky
• Kaylie Tejada, Anesthesiology & Holistic Coaching; Florida
• Khara Jefferson, Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine; Louisiana
• Latrice White, Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine; Virgina
• Laura Mason, MD/DO, General Practice; United Kingdom
• Lohana Ribeiro da Silva, MD/DO, Integrative Medicine; Brazil
• Louise Rippengill-Clarke, MD/DO, General Practice; United Kingdom
• Maria Del M Rodriguez, ND, Family & Community Health; Puerto Rico
• Mary-Chrstine Sullivan, Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine; Massachusetts
• Melandie Fourie, MD/DO Family Medicine; South Africa
• Melissa Juarez, Physician Assistant in Family Medicine; Illinois
• Merika Hunter, Physician Assistant; Hawaii
• Miryam Demers, MD/DO, Family Physician; Canada
• Navneet Strickland, Nurse Practitioner, Family and Pain Management; Michigan
• Nirali DePasquale, Nurse Practitioner; Maryland
• Saira Dar, MD/DO, Family Medicine; California
• Samantha Lindsay, MD/DO, Qualified as a General Practitioner, Post Graduate Certificate in Procedural Sedation and Pain Management; South Africa
• Selena Gilles, Nurse Practitioner; New York
• Sharine Forbes, Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine; California
• Sharon Johnson-Eby, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine; Mississippi
• Yoon Hang Kim, MD/DO, Preventive Medicine; Illinois

For more information about IFM’s scholarship programs and commitment to expanding access to functional medicine, please visit IFM.org.

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About The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
As the leading voice for functional medicine for more than 30 years, The Institute for Functional Medicine is advancing the transformation of healthcare for patients and practitioners worldwide. IFM supports the confident and competent practice of functional medicine through high-quality education, industry-leading certification, partnerships across medical disciplines, and advocating on behalf of functional medicine clinicians and patients around the globe. IFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing educational programs directly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). For more information, please visit IFM.org.

About Functional Medicine
As a catalyst in the transformation of healthcare, functional medicine treats root causes of disease and restores healthy function through a personalized patient experience. From chronic illness to disease prevention, functional medicine systematically addresses the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of all patients. By understanding each patient’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences, functional medicine is a vital partner to conventional medicine that delivers transformative care to promote optimal health and well-being.

For more information:
Alyssa Parker
Associate Director, Public Affairs
media@ifm.org

A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Dr. Uché Blackstock, founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, who is recognized for her work in addressing bias and racism in healthcare. Dr. Blackstock’s keynote will provide critical insights into the intersection of medicine, health equity, and systemic racism.

The four-day event will feature sessions focused on advancing health equity, promoting diversity in nursing, and integrating the arts into leadership and advocacy. Attendees will engage in plenary sessions, and networking events designed to empower nurses of color and foster a sense of community.

Conference Schedule:

• October 16th: Movie Night featuring the documentary “Everybody’s Work: Healing What Hurts Us All”. This impactful film aims to educate viewers about the impact of racism in healthcare and empower individuals to contribute to changing the systems that sustain it.
• October 17th: Mix and Mingle Networking Event – An opportunity for attendees to connect and build relationships with fellow nursing professionals and leaders.
• October 18th & 19th: Conference Days – A series of plenary sessions, workshops, and discussions focusing on leadership, advocacy, and innovation in nursing.
• October 19th: Allen-Mahoney Scholarship and Award Gala – A Sneaker Gala blending black-tie elegance with sneaker culture, celebrating nursing trailblazers.
• October 20th: Nonprofit Community Service Event – A virtual fundraiser for ArtWell, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit with a mission to support young people and their communities through multidisciplinary arts expression, education, and creative reflection. ArtWell empowers youth to celebrate their strengths, thrive while facing complex challenges, and awaken their dreams.

DNPs of Color invites all nursing professionals, advocates, and allies to join this pivotal event. For more information and to register, visit DNPs of Color Conference 2024.

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About DNPs of Color (DOCs)

DNPs of Color (DOCs), is a 501c3 nonprofit nursing organization, whose mission is to serve Doctors of Nursing Practice of Color through networking, mentorship and advocacy to increase diversity in doctoral studies, clinical practice, and leadership for nurses. Please visit our website www.dnpsofcolor.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @dnpsofcolor