PA/MPH Student Perseveres, Earns Recognition
Scholarship Recipient Shows Resilience in the Face of Life’s Struggles
A life rife with personal challenges – to include the death of her brother while an undergrad and a major health scare as a graduate student – has not deterred Carolina Rios as she strives to become a Physician Assistant.
Rios, a second-year student in the Joint MSPAS/MPH program at Touro University California, is the recipient of the latest $2,000 Lt. Ruth Cortes PA-C Scholarship.
“I feel so happy and honored to win this scholarship. It truly means so much,” Rios said after learning of the award. “I feel super excited to continue my studies and can’t wait to finish school to work as a PA in my community.”
Dr. Joy Moverley, a 2012 alumna and Director of the Joint PA/MPH program, has since its inception supported the scholarship that was created three years after the death of her classmate.
“Carolina truly embodies the legacy of my dear friend and classmate, Ruth,” Moverley said. “Similar to Ruth, Carolina has demonstrated courage and determination in her time at TUC. I know she will be a great PA and advocate for her future patients.”
Tragedy Leads Peers to Celebrate a Life Lost
Cortes was serving as a PA in the U.S. Navy in 2019 when she was killed while off duty in October 2019 in Southern California. The scholarship was created as members of the Joint PA/MPH Class of 2012 gathered for their 10-year reunion in October 2022.
“I’m so grateful to receive a scholarship that honors Lt. Ruth Cortes’ incredible legacy of service and compassion,” Rios said. “This scholarship helps relieve financial stress and inspires me to keep giving back to my community as I continue my journey to become a PA who serves the same community that raised me.”
A health setback required Rios to have brain surgery after starting the PA/MPH program and led to a leave of absence. Kasaundra Heiberger, a 2014 alumna and Director of Didactic Education for the Joint PA/MPH program, in her nomination letter, said Rios “returned with renewed strength and determination.”
“Her goal to return to and serve the community that shaped her speaks volumes about Carolina’s character,” Heiberger said. “She understands the power of representation in health care and is committed to being a provider who listens deeply, educates thoroughly, and advocates fiercely.”
The Joint PA/MPH program is part of the College of Health Sciences. Rios is on track to graduate in May 2027.
Money for the scholarship is raised primarily through the TUC PA/MPH alumni community. To support the fund, follow the link to https://tu.edu/give/ and select Lt. Ruth Cortes PA-C Scholarship Fund from the drop-down menu.