Auburn’s Rural Medicine Program celebrates students committed to serving Alabama’s underserved

AUBURN, Ala. — Ten future physicians were honored Monday night at the 19th annual Rural Medicine Program (RMP) Spring Banquet at Auburn University, where heartfelt speeches, moving reflections, and generous scholarship awards marked the culmination of a demanding but rewarding year.

Hosted by the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), the banquet celebrated the students' completion of the pre-matriculation year of the RMP, a program designed to train future doctors to serve in Alabama’s rural and medically underserved communities.

RMP student Rylan Mayberry opened the event with an invocation that reflected on the year’s challenges, friendships, and spiritual growth. He gave thanks for the support of mentors and families and prayed for strength and compassion as the students move forward.

Students Lily Pounders and Sterling Thomas shared memories and gratitude on behalf of the cohort, recognizing the faculty and staff who made the experience meaningful. From clinical mentors like Dr. Keith Buford to COSAM staff and program director Dr. David Bramm, the students emphasized the personal impact of those who supported their journey.

“Dr. Bramm has shown time and again how deeply he cares, not only about this program but for each of us individually,” Pounders said. “He is not only an incredible mentor, but also a great friend.”

The students recounted hands-on learning experiences in Alabama clinics and labs, as well as a meaningful trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Rural Health Policy Conference. They praised the program for not only shaping their academic and clinical foundation but also forming strong bonds that feel like family.

Scholarships were presented to several students during the event. The Auburn University Rural Medicine Scholarships, funded by an anonymous donor in honor of Dr. Bill Coleman, were awarded to Emma Kate Bond-Harris, Madelyn Friday, Hayden Northcutt, Emily Pridemore, Blake Wright, and Matthew Yesil.

Other awards included:

• Stone Family Endowed Scholarship – Savannah Fleming
• Lanita S. Carter and Terence D. Cusack Endowed Scholarship– Lily Pounders
• Beverley Childress Endowed Scholarship – Rylan Mayberry
• Dr. Larry Wit Endowed Scholarship – Sterling Thomas

COSAM Advancement Director, Will Holley, and team were recognized for their ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funding for the program, which enables students to take on an additional year of academic and clinical training before beginning medical school at UAB.

Dr. Bramm closed the evening with a mix of humor, heartfelt advice, and inspiration.

“This is your time,” he said. “You’re going to learn the most important body of knowledge in human history. You will miss weddings, graduations, and even funerals—but you’ll be doing something that matters.”

He concluded with a quote from medical pioneer Tinsley Harrison, reminding students of the honor and responsibility of becoming a physician: “No greater opportunity or obligation can fall the lot of a human being than to be a physician. In the care of suffering he needs technical skill, scientific knowledge and human understanding.”

The banquet concluded with a deep appreciation for the ten students, their mentors, and the program that brought them together.

View photos from the event on COSAM’s Flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cosam_au/albums/72177720325808497