| Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation We operate programs that produce significant advances |
Scholarships | 2026-2027 Founders’ Scholarship Applications Are Now Open |
The Founders’ Scholarships honor the osteopathic physicians who founded Tucson General Hospital. Faced with barriers to practicing medicine in Tucson, these physicians created new opportunities through leadership, innovation and a commitment to their community.
Today, TOMF continues that legacy by supporting future osteopathic physicians with meaningful ties to Southern Arizona and an interest in practicing in the region. The scholarships are intended to help ease the financial burden of medical school while encouraging the same spirit of leadership and innovation in the next generation of DOs.
Up to five $10,000 scholarships will be awarded in late January, 2027.
Eligibility
Applicants must be third-year osteopathic medical students who:
- Have lived in Southern Arizona for a cumulative minimum of two years prior to medical school.
- Have completed, be completing, or be scheduled for at least one third-year clinical rotation in Southern Arizona.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or be in good academic standing at a pass/fail school.
- Do not have both tuition and living expenses fully funded by an outside source.
Students may attend any accredited U.S. college of osteopathic medicine.
Application deadline: December 14, 2026
The online application includes complete eligibility information, application requirements and the 2026-2027 essay prompt. All applications and required materials must be submitted through the online form.
Questions? Contact Nicole Struck, Executive Director, at nicole@tomf.org
2025-2026 Founders' Scholarship Recipients
Expand each dropdown to read more about each scholarship recipient.
For Carly Roberts, Tucson will always be home. She values the city’s unique blend of small-town charm, strong sense of community, and authentic Southwest character. Outside of medical school, Carly enjoys exploring local cafés, restaurants, and thrift shops with friends and family, cheering on the Arizona Wildcats, and discovering new running paths as she trains for her first 5K. Carly’s journey into medicine was inspired by her father’s diagnosis with COPD. During a time when her family faced uncertainty and felt helpless, she witnessed the reassurance and guidance his physicians provided. That experience motivated her to pursue a career in medicine, with the goal of offering patients and their loved ones the same support during difficult moments. Drawn to osteopathic medicine’s emphasis on treating the whole person, Carly is passionate about providing individualized, compassionate care. Her medical training has also deepened her understanding of how factors such as housing, transportation, and financial resources can significantly influence health outcomes, challenging her to look beyond a diagnosis and consider each patient’s unique circumstances. Currently considering a future in anesthesiology or internal medicine, Carly is excited by both the challenge of medicine and the privilege of being a trusted advocate for patients. We are proud to recognize Carly Roberts as a Founders’ Scholarship recipient and celebrate her dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care | ![]() Originally from San Diego, Ojeni Touma is a medical student with a passion for internal medicine, patient-centered care, and serving underserved communities. Growing up around family members with significant health challenges—and later working as a 911 EMT during the COVID-19 pandemic—solidified a lifelong calling to medicine and inspired a desire to provide a higher level of care for patients. Drawn to osteopathic medicine for its hands-on, holistic approach, Ojeni values the power of physical examination and compassionate connection in healing. Clinical rotations further reinforced her love for diagnostic problem-solving and building meaningful relationships with patients both in the hospital and clinic setting. Outside of medicine, Ojeni enjoys spending time outdoors, especially near the ocean, with hobbies including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, and learning to surf. She credits her fiancé, AJ, a firefighter/paramedic, as one of her greatest sources of inspiration and support throughout medical school. As a future physician, Ojeni is excited not only to continue learning throughout her career, but also to one day become a clinical educator and mentor for future generations of physicians. We are proud to recognize her as a Founders’ Scholarship recipient and celebrate her dedication to compassionate, whole-person care. | ![]() Originally from Dunstable, Massachusetts, Adriana Barranco has found a second home in Tucson, where she appreciates the city’s strong sense of community, vibrant arts and culture, beautiful desert views, and abundant sunshine. Outside of medical school, Adriana enjoys exploring new foods, playing board and card games with friends, and staying active through Zumba—a passion she once shared as an instructor. Adriana’s path to medicine grew stronger with every step she took toward becoming a physician. Drawn to both science and service, she has found particular meaning in connecting with patients, building trust, and helping people feel heard during difficult moments. She values the unique perspectives each person brings to medicine and credits her classmates, close friends, and partner, Jacob, with providing encouragement, inspiration, and support throughout her journey. Currently most interested in pediatrics, with a special interest in psychiatry and developmental and behavioral pediatrics, Adriana is passionate about caring for the whole person with empathy and without judgment. Her osteopathic education has further reinforced the importance of understanding each patient’s individual circumstances and the barriers that can affect their care. As a future physician, Adriana is most excited by the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and families, advocate for their needs, and help make healthcare experiences more comfortable and compassionate. We are proud to recognize Adriana Barranco as a Founders’ Scholarship recipient and celebrate her dedication to empathetic, patient-centered care. |
2024-2025 Founders' Scholarship Recipients
Expand each dropdown to read more about each scholarship recipient.
I was born and raised in the state of Arizona, spending most of my childhood and adolescent years in Payson, AZ. Following high school, I attended and graduated from Arizona Western College in Yuma and the University of Arizona in Tucson. After returning home from a two-year church service mission in Baltimore, MD in 2018, I married my wife, Tiana, and spent the first two and a half years of our marriage back in Tucson. During that time, I worked as a medical scribe at St. Joseph's and St. Mary's Emergency Departments. I also coached middle school boys' basketball, volleyball, and track and field at St. Cyril of Alexandria School prior to COVID-19 hitting our community. In 2021, I became a clinical lead for vaccination efforts at the University of Arizona that helped provide over 400,000 vaccination doses to the community. I was later hired to be a clinical coordinator in vaccination efforts in more underserved areas of Tucson, as well as other areas in Pima and Pinal County. Later that year, we moved just outside of Chicago where I completed a master's degree at Midwestern University and was accepted into medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. I was voted by my peers to be Vice President of our cohort and now currently serve as Class President. In 2024, I became the osteopathic medical student representative on the board of directors for the National Residency Matching Program, where I continue to serve today. |
Before medical school, I worked as a medical scribe, witnessing firsthand the challenges patients face in navigating healthcare. My passion for service grew through leadership roles in nonprofits and education, including mentoring underserved youth at YMCA Camp and fostering inclusive communities in residence life at Gonzaga University, where I earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. I later pursued an M.S. in Biomedical Diagnostics at Arizona State University. In medical school, I've taken on leadership roles to advocate for peers and advance osteopathic medicine. As Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Foundation's Director of Fundraising, I help secure scholarships for osteopathic students. This year, as SOMA's Director of OPP and Wellness, I'll work to advance discussion of Osteopathic principles. I've also served as a leader of multiple student groups and been a mentor to high school STEM students through Aspen Institute's Our Future Is Science program. My clinical and research experiences drive my commitment to healthcare equity. At El Rio Community Health Center, I care for patients with limited access to medical care, learning to bridge gaps in trust and understanding. Presenting my research on trauma informed care, osteopathic hypertension management, and the Latina physician shortage has allowed me to contribute to national conversations on systemic disparities. Beyond the clinic, I remain dedicated to community service, volunteering with Project C.U.R.E., Ben's Bells, the Nutrition and Health Awareness Program, and street medicine outreach. |
My name is Jumana Roufail, and I am from Rancho Cucamonga, California. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society from UCLA, graduating with honors. This interdisciplinary major deepened my understanding of the connection between medicine, public health, and the social determinants of health, shaping my passion for patient advocacy and community service. At Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, I have actively pursued opportunities to expand my clinical and leadership skills. As President of the Medicine-Pediatrics Interest Club and a board member of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, I have organized educational initiatives and hands-on learning experiences to support my peers. My volunteer work at the Asylum Center Clinic has allowed me to serve vulnerable populations, bridging language barriers and advocating for equitable healthcare access. I have also engaged in research, co-authoring a study on heart rate variability in relation to osteopathic manipulation and vagus nerve stimulation. Additionally, I have contributed to a gastrointestinal surgical case report and a retrospective study on pediatric and adult ESRD patients. Currently, I am interested in pursuing Pediatrics, where I hope to integrate my passion for mentorship, advocacy, and holistic care. I am eager to build lasting relationships with patients and their families, fostering trust and empowerment in their healthcare journeys. I look forward to the lifelong learning, personal growth, and joy that a career in Pediatrics will bring. |