Wilson Health recently announced the recipient of their 16th Annual Physician Memorial Scholarship. This year’s scholarship winner is Maggie Stiefel of Anna.
Established following the death of Bruce C. Urbanc, D.O., in 2008, the scholarship is a joint effort of the medical staff and the hospital at Wilson Health. The scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a fully accredited school of medicine or osteopathic medicine in the continental United States. The student must be a Shelby County high school graduate.
“We recently awarded $2,000 to Maggie to assist on her journey through medical school,” Dr. David A. McDonald, chief of staff at Wilson Health. Members of Wilson’s Medical Staff Executive Committee are charged with making the final selection.
Stiefel is in her first year of medical school at Wright State University – Boonshoft School of Medicine in Fairborn. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology – Pre-Health specialization from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
“Answering the question, ‘what do you want to be when you grow up,’ has always been easy and innate for me, Stiefel said. “I saw my grandpa, Dr. Jerry Mestemaker, and my aunt, Dr. Amy Mestemaker, practice medicine. I was in awe at all they did with such great care, concern and skill. I knew at a young age it was my calling.”
Stiefel’s decision to become a physician was solidified her sophomore year while attending Anna High School. At a school basketball game, her dad had a seizure and was taken to Wilson Health where he received critical life-saving care that was needed in order for him to be transported to a larger facility. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“During this time of uncertainty for me and my family, I realized the true impact a physician has on patients and their families,” said Stiefel. “I knew from that point forward, I would truly understand what my patients were experiencing in times of turmoil and uncertainty.”
Growing up in Anna had a significant impact on Stiefel. She attributes the strong support from the community during her father’s diagnosis and recovery, made her realize there is no place she would rather provide personalized care for patients than in a community like the one she called home.
“Giving back and sharing my knowledge, skill and compassion both inside the walls and outside, just like my grandpa and aunt, is my ultimate desire,” Stiefelcsaid. “I firmly believe that where and how I grew up has made me who I am today. My dreams aren’t to leave for a bigger place, but to make an impact by serving in the one that raised me.”
