"Medicine lies at the intersection of these three passions of mine: science, education, and advocacy. Becoming a physician would allow me to not only treat my patients’ illnesses and address their concerns, but also do research on health disparities that exist in underserved communities and fight for policy changes in order to provide equitable healthcare."

After losing her husband, Gunther, to a staph infection in November 2009, the late Lee Weigel wanted to improve the quality of healthcare in our country. To realize that goal, she partnered with the Elks National Foundation to endow the Gunther and Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship, which helps Elks scholars pursue careers in medicine. For more information, visit enf.elks.org/WeigelMSS.