Midwestern University-AZCOM Student Awarded $15,000 Founders' Scholarship
July 29, 2025
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.
Enjoy a summary of our interview with Dakota below:
Hailing from Payson, Arizona, Dakota is a passionate and driven medical student who has chosen to pursue a career in emergency medicine. His path into the medical field wasn't defined by a single moment-instead, it was a lifelong calling rooted in a deep desire to serve others. After working as a scribe in Tucson's emergency departments, he was inspired by the physicians he encountered and the high level of care they provided, shaping his own vision of the doctor he hopes to become.
Dakota discovered osteopathic medicine through a friend and mentor, and during his time in a master's program at Midwestern University, he became drawn to its patient-centered, holistic approach. He knew he had found the right fit for his career goals. Now, as a medical student, he remains fascinated by the complexity of the human body and is excited to be part of a fast-evolving field-especially one where he can make a difference in critical moments.
Beyond academics and clinical rotations, Dakota enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiana, and their daughter, Daisy. Whether grilling in the backyard, lifting weights, or taking in Tucson's breathtaking sunsets, family time remains his greatest joy. He also finds inspiration in the culture and beauty of the Southwest-from the desert trails to local favorites like El Chencho on Ajo Way.
His advice to anyone considering medicine? "Do it. There is no other field as challenging and rewarding-and there's no better time to start than now."
We are proud to recognize Dakota Marshall as a TOMF Founders' Scholarship recipient, honoring his dedication to service, resilience, and commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.