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Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) student Christina Burns has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the FutureMedLA Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing physician leaders, supporting innovative medical students, and funding community-driven healthcare solutions in Los Angeles County. Burns was selected for her leadership in public health outreach, research on ethical technology use in medicine, and her dedication to community-centered care. Her work aligns closely with the foundation’s mission to support future physician leaders who are advancing access to care through creative and impactful solutions.
“This scholarship supports my dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering sustainable community development, particularly for underserved populations across Southern California,” Burns said. “I am truly grateful to be supported by a Foundation whose values align so closely with my own vision for a more equitable and accessible healthcare future.”
A Legacy of Impact in Los Angeles
Before entering medical school, Burns served as Executive Director of MiOra, a local nonprofit focused on expanding healthcare access through education, research, and outreach. Under her leadership, MiOra secured funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s Take Action LA initiative and hosted large-scale community events centered on mental health awareness and substance use disorder education.
These events reached hundreds of participants and distributed over 2,000 doses of Narcan, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. Burns also mentored 36 student interns—primarily first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds—who continue to carry these skills into their STEM careers.
In addition to her outreach work, Burns led a study on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, presenting her findings at the Moving Targets Conference hosted by the USC Mann School of Pharmacy. She also co-authored a published manuscript on cervical self-sampling for HPV detection, highlighting the importance of inclusive diagnostic design.
Continuing the Mission at KPSOM
Since beginning her medical education in July 2025, Burns has volunteered at the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic and initiated a collaboration with Rose Rodriguez, KPSOM’s Director of Policy Engagement and Advocacy, to develop a course on socioeconomic barriers to chronic cardiovascular disease management.
“This generous award allows me to dedicate more focused time to advancing my passion for health equity and preparing myself to become a physician who prioritizes equitable, community-centered care,” she said. “I plan to lead and contribute to outreach and research initiatives that address barriers to access for underserved populations. I also intend to attend conferences and collaborative gatherings where I can learn from and partner with others who share a commitment to building a more just and inclusive healthcare system.”
Burns emphasized the importance of financial support for medical students pursuing equity-focused careers.
“Health equity work is best led by those who come from the underserved communities we seek to serve, so providing students like [me] with the financial support to break into the healthcare profession paves the way for community-driven change,” she said. “Investing in future doctors who are dedicated to advancing health equity will foster a healthcare system that serves every patient with dignity, access, and compassion.”
