Qianna Liu
Liu plans to graduate in 2016 and will pursue a career in family practice or pediatrics. She is committed to providing primary care to underserved communities.
Cal State Fullerton alumna Qianna Liu has been awarded a prestigious National Health Service Corps scholarship that will help her become an osteopathic physician delivering care to people in underserved communities. The award, estimated at about $285,000, will pay for full medical school tuition, books, supplies, a monthly living stipend and other educational costs.
This fall, Liu began her studies in osteopathic medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, following completion of Cal State Fullerton's postbaccalaureate Pre-Health Professions Studies Certificate Program in May. During the program, Liu sought assistance and guidance through the CSUF Health Professions Advising Office, directed by Christina A. Goode, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who also recommended her for the national award.
"I'm extremely honored and humbled to receive this award," said Liu, who grew up in Alhambra and now lives in Diamond Bar.
I'm eternally grateful to Dr. Goode and the Health Professions Advising staff. I couldn't have achieved this without them.
In Goode's letter of recommendation, she wrote, "Qianna Liu has completely demonstrated her commitment to medicine, and her passion for the poor and underserved complements the mission of the NHSC scholarship. She will be an amazing primary care doctor."
As part of the postbaccalaureate program to prepare her for medical school, Liu's community service activities included working at a local clinic, getting involved with the American Medical Student Association and traveling to Kenya during the summer of 2010 to volunteer at a hospital near Nairobi.
"These are all important experiences I had during the certificate program, which gave me insight about the health care field. The Health Professions Advising Office does a great job in making sure premed students extend beyond just the academics," she said in an earlier interview.
Liu plans to graduate in 2016 and will pursue a career in family practice or pediatrics. She is committed to providing primary care to underserved communities.
"The only reason I wanted to become a physician was to serve these communities. I wanted to be a voice and be of service to these individuals that are often overlooked. To me, NHSC's mission embodies the type of doctor I aspire to be for the next 40 years. I'm truly ecstatic to be recognized for my commitment to serve communities in need."
The NHSC Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students pursuing primary health care professions in return for a commitment to provide health care to communities in need after graduation and completion of training. More information is available online.
Written by Debra Cano Ramos
