Millie Shah, a second-year student attending KCU’s Joplin campus, received the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Sterling Welch, DO, Scholars Grant in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and leadership among her peers. A first-generation student from New Jersey, Shah serves as president and co-founder of Steps and Beyond, an initiative focused on preparing students for board exams and residency. Additionally, she represents KCU as a student ambassador, an anatomy tutor and volunteers her time serving local elementary children through KCU’s Score 1 for Health, Anatomy Academy and CHAMPS programs.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree at Stockton University, Shah worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT). She always knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but those years spent as an EMT solidified her desire to become a physician.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time working as an EMT, but it didn’t give me the opportunity to follow through with care once a patient was transported to a hospital. I wanted to do more than stabilize vitals. I wanted to build a relationship with patients, diagnose illnesses and provide proper treatment,” remarked Shah. Though she is a few years away from choosing a specialty, Shah thinks orthopedic surgery could be the right fit for her. When her mother developed carpal tunnel syndrome and needed to see an orthopedist, Shah accompanied her to appointments. She soon realized there were very few female orthopedic surgeons. She hopes to break that barrier someday.
“Receiving the Sterling Welch, DO, Scholars Grant will help me pay fees associated with board exams. Without the added financial burden, I can focus fully on my studies and the community service that means so much to me,” said Shah. “My journey to medical school was not an easy one. I’ve had challenges along the way. But with a good support system at KCU and persistence on my part, I am meeting the academic demands of my studies. This award serves as a reminder that I am capable of achieving my dream of becoming a doctor.”
“KCU-Joplin is fortunate to have Student Doctor Shah as a student who marries service for others with her interest in osteopathic medicine,” said Dr. Jo Enscoe, KCU-Joplin assistant vice provost of Student Services. “She exemplifies not only the characteristics of the ideal student, but also the characteristics of that will make her an excellent physician.”
