On a recent episode of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You radio show and podcast, we had guest Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, neuro-oncologist at Mayo Clinic and founder of ElevateMed, a non-profit organization providing scholarships, mentorship, and support to medical students from Black, Latino, and Native American backgrounds.
For the full episode, CLICK HERE.
You can also find this on any of the following podcasts:
The Journey to Creating Accessible Medical Education
For many aspiring physicians, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, the path to becoming a doctor is fraught with financial obstacles. Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey, founder of ElevateMed, knows this struggle firsthand. As the first Black woman neuro-oncologist in the United States and an Arizona native, Dr. Porter Umphrey’s personal journey through medical education inspired her to create change for future generations.
“Since 1994 we have been providing in-home supportive care services for our older adult population right here in Phoenix, Arizona,” shares Bob Roth, host of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You. “Our show is about how our older adult population can live a healthier, happier life.”
From Debt to Determination: A Personal Medical School Experience
Dr. Porter Umphrey’s path to medicine began at Horizon High School in Arizona, inspired by seeing Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable on television and learning about Dr. Ben Carson’s groundbreaking work separating conjoined twins. Despite receiving a full Presidential Scholarship to Spelman College, the financial reality of medical school was daunting.
“Before day one of learning anything medical, we were instantly separated into two groups,” Dr. Porter Umphrey explained. “Those that could pay for their medical school… and those who didn’t.”
Facing limited options, Dr. Porter Umphrey graduated from Temple University medical school with $280,000 in debt. When she later married her husband, Dr. Greg Umphrey, their combined medical school debt exceeded half a million dollars.
The Birth of Elevate Med: Creating Opportunities
After successfully paying off their debt by “living like residents” despite their physician salaries, the Umphreys founded Elevate Med in 2019 to provide what they wished they’d had:
- Scholarship support to offset the significant burden of debt
- Mentorship for first-generation medical students
- Leadership development to help physicians become effective leaders
- Financial literacy education to manage medical school debt
- Networking opportunities connecting students across the country
“We’ve supported 70 students from across the country. We’ve awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships and support,” Dr. Porter Umphrey shared proudly.
Impact on Diversity in Healthcare
The importance of Elevate Med’s work extends beyond individual students to addressing healthcare disparities. Dr. Porter Umphrey highlighted the story of Dr. Aaron Bayan, who grew up on a Navajo Reservation in Canyon DeChelly, attended medical school through Elevate Med’s support, and returned to the Navajo Nation to practice family medicine.
“When people can come to a doctor who they know is part of the community, understands their culture, background, language, they know that they can trust,” explained Dr. Porter Umphrey. “That much more rapid establishment of trust and belonging… leads to a more adherent path to the treatment recommended, which ultimately leads to a better outcome.”
A Holistic Approach to Medical Education
ElevateMed’s programming goes beyond financial support. The organization provides:
- Monthly virtual programming covering their four pillars
- Leadership development through Berkman assessments and executive coaching
- Financial literacy workshops
- Public speaking coaching for interviews
- Relocation scholarships for residency transitions
The program follows an annual cycle: applications review in spring, mentor matching in June, programming kickoff in July, and the ElevateMed Scholar Summit in September in Phoenix.
Looking Forward: Expanding Access and Impact
Currently, ElevateMed works with collaborating medical schools to nominate exceptional students for their program. With continued growth and donor support, Dr. Porter Umphrey hopes to eventually open applications to all eligible students.
“We haven’t existed in a normal year since we’ve launched, and it’s really been the generosity of private donors that have helped us have the success that we’ve had,” noted Dr. Porter Umphrey. “Leaving doors that were opened for us, wider for the next generation, is the whole purpose of why we’re here.”
