Johnnie Orozco of Galloway lab receives Nickens scholarship

Brief
August 21, 2003

Johnnie Orozco, a graduate student in Dr. Denise Galloway's lab, is among five medical students nationwide to obtain a 2003 Herbert W. Nickens Minority Medical Scholarship from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The scholarships are awarded to outstanding third-year medical students who are leaders in eliminating inequities in medical education and health care. Orozco, who is earning a combined M.D./Ph.D. through the Medical Scientist Training Program, will receive a $5,000 scholarship and an award certificate.

In the Galloway lab, Orozco studies how antibodies recognize the human papilloma virus (HPV). Infection with certain strains of HPV is a major risk factor for cervical and other anogenital cancers.

Orozco also works to recruit underrepresented minority students to college and the health professions. He serves as mentor to pre-medical students in the McNair Scholarship Program at the University of Washington and is a member of the university's medical school admissions committee. Orozco has worked with local middle-school students to encourage their interest in science and in health careers.

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