Medical Student Christopher Prokosch Awarded N. L. Gault, M.D. Honorary Scholarship for Dedication to Family Medicine

Fourth-year University of Minnesota (UMN) medical student Christopher Prokosch recently received the N. L. Gault, M.D. Honorary Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding scholarship and dedication to family medicine. The scholarship is offered to UMN medical students who intend to specialize in internal or family medicine. Established by the late Royal C. Gray, MD, University of Minnesota Medical School Class of 1925, the scholarship honors former dean N. L. Gault.

“Christopher has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the highest ideals of family medicine,” said Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH) professor David Power, MD.

Many of Christopher’s achievements led to the award of this scholarship. He consistently demonstrated success on his family medicine rotations, notably receiving honors in his rural rotation in Bethel, Alaska, and a rigorous away elective on the inpatient service at Family Medicine Residency of Idaho. Faculty and colleagues consistently commend Christopher for his curiosity, commitment to learning, and work ethic.

Christopher’s faculty advisor throughout medical school and DFMCH Associate Professor David Satin, MD, noted how Christopher’s unique dedication impressed him throughout his time in medical school:

“Christopher prioritizes the care of underserved patients over personal gain. I offered him an academic rotation, planning out curriculum in Health Systems. Yet, he felt called to serve the migrants in need in Tijuana and Alaska natives around Bethel. These are not acts for his CV but rather clear declarations of his interests and integrity.”

Christopher believes that the real joy of family medicine comes from the relationships he builds in community. He views healthcare while providing care in communities that are under-resourced and/or lacking basic healthcare. He is interested in a future working in global health with an organization like Partners In Health (PIH) in Chiapas, Mexico, whose mission is to educate residents, build infrastructure, and provide minimally-compensated healthcare to communities lacking doctors. Christopher is preparing to live a life committed to the communities he serves without extravagance or luxury.

Christopher has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including his most recent appointment as the national American Academy of Family Physician (AAFP) medical student delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA). With this role and his prior role as student member on an AAFP National Commission, Christopher provides a representative voice for medical students interested in family medicine.

Looking ahead, Christopher plans to work in under-resourced settings for his career. He is interested in completing residency at a program which has a mission to care for the underserved, whether that be in a rural setting or with immigrants.

“From coordinating a free cataract surgery program for uninsured patients to his AmeriCorps Service year helping first-generation students apply to college, Christopher is clearly committed to the service of others,” said Dr. Power. “I am excited to bear witness to Christopher’s pursuit of a full-scope family medicine career that provides quality care to communities in need.”