Student Doctor Kasten is a second-year student at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, hails from Washington State, and is this year’s recipient of the LGBTQIA scholarship.
Anna M. Hardin, Ph.D. and the Assistant Professor at Comp-NW had this to say about Cambria, “I have seen Cambria’s strong commitment not only to the principles of osteopathic medicine but also to advocacy for the respectful and equitable medical treatment of individuals of marginalized backgrounds.
“As an Assistant Professor of Medical Anatomical Sciences, I have spent dozens of hours with Cambria in the anatomy lab. Cambria is a highly motivated osteopathic medical student and serves as a knowledgeable and friendly resource to their peers. By asking insightful questions and describing donors and their anatomy with great care, Cambria demonstrates a high degree of respect and compassion that will greatly benefit their future patients.
“Beyond the rigorous academic program of medical school, Cambria has pursued additional training through the Applied Anatomy Longitudinal Track program. This track immerses a small group of students in the study of anatomy and its applications through regular meetings during their first two years of medical school. I serve as the director of the Applied Anatomy Track and have worked closely with Cambria in the development of their Applied Anatomy Track capstone project. Even before applying to the program, Cambria expressed interest in completing a capstone project that would further their knowledge of gender-affirming surgical approaches so that they could better serve future LGBTQ+ patients.
“Cambria has developed a project that demonstrates their thoughtful approach to patients: a cadaveric study of the anatomical impacts of vaginoplasty approximately 30 years after the procedure. Cambria has spent many hours already on background research and planning to ensure that this project will provide the greatest possible benefit to gender-affirming medical care. I have been grateful to work on this especially sensitive project with a student as motivated, capable, and thoughtful as Cambria.
“Cambria has sought out opportunities to serve their college and community through leadership in White Coats for Black Lives, the Equity Alliance Club, and the American Women’s Medical Association, as well as outreach events in the rural community around Lebanon, Oregon. In every facet of their training, including education, research, and service, Cambria has demonstrated their commitment to becoming an osteopathic physician who can address and advocate for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of all their future patients”.
Cambria told us this about her future goals, “Through every step of my life, I have found joy, comfort, and fulfillment through volunteering. Primarily, I have found myself working with youth programs beyond the scope of medicine. Over the years, these opportunities have included volunteering for youth leadership camps, elementary reading programs, and children’s museums. Currently, I am serving as the Site Coordinator for a monthly program titled Foster Parent’s Night Out (FPNO). The program hosts both the biological and foster children of families for a half-day of games and activities. The youth meet other individuals who may be having similar life experiences to them while parents are able to catch up on errands, have a date night, or tackle other responsibilities. This role has been extremely fulfilling.
“I plan to continue serving foster families and hope to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer following medical school. In this role, I will work with children in ongoing court cases and advocate for their best interests. I will serve as a trusted supporter of the child during an atypical time in their lives, which feels like a natural transition from my current role.
“In addition to serving the foster system, I do hope to participate in health-related volunteering outside of my practice. I understand that social determinants contribute to disparities that impact health at a community level. For example, LGBTQIA youth experiencing homelessness exhibit disproportionately high HIV transmission rates, partly due to a lack of access to STI testing. This is a public health issue that requires additional resources to alleviate individual disparities. I plan to participate in fundraising, planning, and executing the necessary health campaigns and volunteer my time at free clinics to increase access to STI testing as well as sexual health education. Change occurs when people are invested in a community and outcome”.
Cambria, the Foundation is just so pleased to be awarding you this scholarship, and we look forward to following your career. Job well done.