Southern Medical Association Announces Recipients of the 2025 Society of 1906 and Society of 1924 Scholarship Awards
The Southern Medical Association (SMA) is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious Society of 1906 and Society of 1924 Scholarships, awarded during SMA’s 117th Annual Scientific Assembly held November 13-15 in New Orleans, Louisiana. These scholarships, each in the amount of $2,500.00, are presented annually to medical students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to advancing health care.
This year’s Society of 1906 Scholarship, which commemorates SMA's founding, was awarded to Mahlet Frezer Zemedkun, is a fourth-year MD/MPH candidate at Tulane University School of Medicine, class of 2026. She holds a BA in neuroscience from the College of Wooster. At Tulane, she serves as President of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and previously led and expanded the Tulane Labor Support Initiative, a student-led program addressing maternal health disparities through birth companionship. Fluent in English, Amharic, French, and Spanish, she is dedicated to bridging clinical medicine, public health, and advocacy to advance health equity locally and globally.
The Society of 1924 Scholarship, which celebrates the establishment of the SMA Alliance, was awarded to Hannah Harrelson from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Hannah studied cellular, molecular, and physiological biology at Christopher Newport University before working as a medical assistant in an ENT clinic and beginning medical school at UVA, where she is now applying for an ophthalmology residency. At UVA, she has been active in organized medicine through the AMA, medical society of Virginia, and Albemarle County Medical Society. In addition, she has co-authored policies to improve healthcare for children in foster care and advocated at both the state and national levels. Although Hannah was not able to attend the presentation ceremony in person, she sent a sincere message, thanking SMA for her scholarship.
“Each year, we’re inspired by the dedication and promise demonstrated by our scholarship recipients,” said Randy Glick, SMA Executive Director. “These scholarships represent an investment in the next generation of healthcare leaders—supporting their education and empowering them to make meaningful, lasting contributions in their fields. We are honored to support Hannah and Mahlet as they continue their journeys in medicine.”
The SMA extends heartfelt congratulations to both recipients and appreciates the commitment of all applicants who strive to make a difference in their communities. The Society of 1906 and Society of 1924 Scholarships are made possible through generous contributions to the SMA’s Research and Education Endowment Fund, which has provided more than $3.7 million in financial support through scientific research grants, loans, and medical student scholarships. To learn more or to donate, please visit https://sma.org/research-and-education/.
