Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) is proud to announce that Student Doctor Kimberly Flores, OMS II, has been selected as one of seven recipients of the prestigious 2024 Sherry R. Arnstein Underrepresented Minority Scholarship awarded by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected as a 2024 Sherry R. Arnstein Underrepresented Minority Scholarship recipient,” said Flores. “Sherry R. Arnstein’s commitment to community, leadership and social change is incomparable and inspiring. This scholarship not only acknowledges my efforts but also strengthens my commitment to serve my Hispanic and Appalachian communities that have helped shape me.”
Named in honor of Sherry R. Arnstein, a champion for social justice and equality, this scholarship recognizes underrepresented minority students who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the medical field. Flores’s selection is a testament to her dedication to leadership, service and advocacy for underserved communities. She received a $5,000 scholarship in recognition of her achievements.
"Student Doctor Flores embodies the qualities of an exceptional osteopathic physician-in-training," said Dr. Christopher Loyke, LMU-DCOM Dean and Chief Academic Officer. "Her dedication to service, research and advocacy exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements."
Flores has been a passionate advocate for fostering diversity in medicine. During her time at LMU-DCOM, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to service. As co-director of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Southeastern Region and a National Board Member, she has led initiatives including scholarships for underserved communities, the organization of regional and national conferences, and the development of LMSA PLUS undergraduate chapters.
Her research contributions span topics such as COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and herb-drug interactions. Her work has been presented at national conferences and is currently under journal review.
As a student ambassador and tutor, Flores has also played a key role in mentoring prospective and current students by fostering a supportive environment that encourages academic excellence and professional growth.
“To be recognized for my efforts in diversifying medicine through leadership, service and research feels like a full-circle moment, one that honors my roots and reinforces the critical need for greater diversity in medicine,” Flores reflected. “I am deeply grateful to AACOM, the Sherry R. Arnstein Committee and LMU-DCOM for valuing my work and for providing students with the opportunities to continue making meaningful impacts in our communities.”
This marks the third consecutive year that an LMU-DCOM student has been honored with this award, with previous recipients including Carrie Ford in 2022 and Cheyennae Barber in 2023. Flores’s selection from a competitive pool of applicants reflects her outstanding dedication to making an impactful change as a future osteopathic physician and leader.
“These student doctors represent the future of osteopathic medicine, and we are proud to recognize their dedication, perseverance and excellence,” said AACOM President and CEO Dr. Robert A. Cain. “It is critical for the long-term health of our country that we have a physician workforce that is truly representative of the communities we serve. AACOM and our member colleges are dedicated to keeping the dream of a medical career open to students of all backgrounds. There is no better way to honor the legacy of Sherry Arnstein.”
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
