Passion for Emergency Medicine Earns UK Student National Scholarship

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 29, 2014) — A career in emergency medicine requires a commitment to helping patients in the most critical situations. For demonstrating her passion for this field, University of Kentucky medical student Jennifer Cotton has received a $500 scholarship from the American Academy of Emergency Medicine/Resident and Student Association (AAEM/RSA).

As part of the honor, Cotton was invited to be recognized during the 20th Annual AAEM Scentific Assembly in New York, on Feb. 12. Nominations for the AAEM/RSA Student Scholarship were accepted in the fall of 2013. The scholarship is awarded annually to one or two AAEM/RSA student members who exemplify a passion for practicing emergency medicine.

"You can occasionally find a medical student who works very hard or is exceptionally intelligent, but it's rare to find both in a student - Jenn is that student," said Dr. Matt Dawson, assistant emergency medicine program director at UK HealthCare, who nominated Cotton for the scholarship. 

A member of the UK College of Medicine Class of 2015, Cotton is the president of the UK Emergency Medicine Interest Group and the founder of the Ultrasound Interest Group. The California native frequently volunteers to help other medical students in her time off and has developed exceptional skills in bedside ultrasound.

The AAEM/RSA aspires to a future in which all patients have access to excellent emergency care by an emergency physician. The society supports developing emergency physicians with the highest quality of training with an emphasis on personal wellness and career mentorship.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, 859-323-2394