The American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation honored Kathlene Babalola, M.S. ’05, biochemistry and molecular biology, with a Minority Scholars Award at the AMA’s Annual Meeting in Chicago, on June 15, 2013.
Kathlene was one of only eight medical students in the country selected to receive this award, which was given in recognition of her academic achievement and commitment to the elimination of health care disparities. As an AMA Foundation Minority Scholar, she received a $10,000 scholarship.
Kathlene received her B.S. in chemistry from Morgan State University and an M.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. A third year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Kathlene is passionate about women’s health and volunteering. She received the American Society for Clinical Oncology Medical Student Rotation grant, through which she worked at the MageeWomen’s Research Institute conducting research on ovarian cancer.
Kathlene serves as a HIV counselor and coordinator at a women’s center and shelter in Pittsburgh and volunteered in the Oncology Patients and Loving Students Program (OPALS). She previously worked as a research scientist for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Wyeth/Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Kathlene was selected as a 2013-14 Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Her project involves partnering with a junior high school to develop a special curriculum focused on teaching young women about intimate partner violence and healthy relationships.
“The AMA Foundation is proud to support these exceptional medical students,” said Clarence Chou, MD, AMA Foundation President. “Their outstanding academic achievements, leadership experience, and service in their communities speak to their commitment to make a difference in the health of minority populations.”
