DES MOINES, Iowa — April 2, 2026 — The Iowa Medical Society Foundation (IMSF) has selected 19 outstanding medical students as recipients of the 2026 IMSF Global Health Scholarship, investing in the next generation of physicians at a critical time for Iowa’s health care workforce. Eight students are from the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and 11 attend the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. The students plan to use the scholarship funds to participate in training experiences in a variety of countries throughout the remainder of the year, gaining real-world clinical and cultural experiences.

“Through the Global Health Scholarship, these students are gaining hands-on experience in diverse care and medically underserved settings around the world,” said IMSF Board Chair Christina Taylor. “This work directly supports the goals of Operation I.O.W.A. by strengthening Iowa’s physician pipeline, expanding cultural competence, and preparing future physicians with real-world skills they can bring back to serve patients and communities across our state.”

As Iowa faces a growing physician shortage, especially in rural communities, programs like the IMSF Global Health Scholarship play a key role in strengthening the state’s physician pipeline.

2026 IMSF Global Health Scholars:

• Ahlaam Abdulwali, M1, University of Iowa
• Oluwaseyi Adeoshun, M3, Des Moines University
• Jonah Albrecht, M1, University of Iowa
• Jane Berg, M3, University of Iowa
• Gretchen Blain, OMS IV, Des Moines University
• Mallory Britz, OMS III, Des Moines University
• Gianna Cross, OMS IV, Des Moines University
• Brianna Desharnais, OMS IV, Des Moines University
• Jessica Duffy, OMS III, Des Moines University
• Sudeep Gadde, M1, University of Iowa
• Sophia Hueser, M1, University of Iowa
• Cory Karasek, M1, University of Iowa
• Natalie Lohmann, OMS IV, Des Moines University
• Trever Maiers, M1, University of Iowa
• John Muckler, M3, University of Iowa
• Matthew Taylor, M1, University of Iowa
• Emma Wolfman, OMS IV, Des Moines University
• Brian Patrick Young, M3, University of Iowa
• Hannah Zipf, M1, University of Iowa

Iowa’s physician workforce challenges require early investment, meaningful training experiences, and a strong sense of purpose for future physicians.

IMSF Global Health Scholars return with:

• Broader clinical perspective
• Experience caring for diverse and underserved populations
• A deeper commitment to service and the path of medicine

These are the qualities Iowa needs to build, sustain, and retain its physician workforce.

Since its inception, IMSF has been able to send over 145 medical students to more than 25 countries to gain invaluable medical training and on-site experiences.

About the IMS Foundation

The Iowa Medical Society Foundation supports programs that advance physician leadership, medical education and community health across Iowa. Through scholarships, educational programming, and outreach, IMSF is investing in the next generation of physicians and the future of health care in Iowa. Learn more: https://www.iowamedical.org/ims-foundation/

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Media Contact:
Josie Sylte
Iowa Medical Society
jsylte@iowamedical.org