Lori Brunner, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is one of 50 young medical professionals to have received the American Medical Association Foundation Leadership Award. The award is given annually to 25 medical students and 25 resident and fellow physicians for their exceptional leadership among their peers and achievements in non-clinical community activities.
A Scribner, Neb., native, Brunner serves as the Nebraska State Chair for medical students and has been active in the AMA on the local, state and national levels. She is the past vice president and community service chair for her local chapter. She also has been a key proponent of the reduction of student debt and the limiting of tuition through her efforts in the AMA and national government. She is the daughter of the Rev. Donald and Marlene Brunner of Scribner.
“It was nice to be recognized for the work I’ve done in the AMA,” said Brunner, who will do her residency in internal medicine/pediatrics in Omaha. “It’s nice to know the work I’ve done with medical school student debt has made a difference, and people have noticed it.”
The AMA Foundation covered the winners’ expenses related to attending the AMA’s National Leadership Conference March 9-12 in Los Angeles. It also provides additional opportunities to participate in a series of training sessions specially designed to address their needs as future leaders.
“Lori is very passionate about the political aspects of medicine,” said Jeffrey Hill, M.D., associate dean of the College of Medicine and associate professor of family medicine. “This prestigious award recognizes the hard work she’s been doing with the student debt problem. She has done an excellent job and will be a leader in the future.”
“The AMA Foundation seeks to honor and recognize young medical professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to medicine and community service,” said Bruce Scott, M.D., president of the AMA Foundation. “We hope that this AMA Foundation award will encourage these winners to continue utilizing their leadership to improve medical care in this country and throughout the world.”
The AMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association, dedicated to serving the needs of physicians and patients.