The American Medical Women’s Association has long believed in investing in the next generation of women physicians — not only through mentorship and leadership development, but by helping to open doors at critical moments in training. The Kirchgraber Student Fund, established by life members Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber and Dr. Paul Kirchgraber, reflects that commitment by supporting Residency Application Scholarships for medical students navigating the residency application process.
AMWA’s residency scholarship program first began in 2022 through a generous donation from Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber (then President) and a fellow board member. Their support helped launch the initiative focused on reducing the financial barriers associated with residency applications.
For many medical students, the costs associated with residency applications can be overwhelming. ERAS fees, interview travel, and related expenses often create additional stress during an already demanding stage of medical training. Through this fund, AMWA aims to ease some of that burden and help ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of opportunity.
What makes this initiative especially meaningful is that it comes full circle. Early in her own career, Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber benefited from support through an AMWA grant—an experience that helped reinforce the importance of professional community, mentorship, and women supporting women in medicine. Decades later, after a distinguished career in academic medicine, leadership, and advocacy, she is helping to create those same opportunities for others.
Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber’s story is a reminder that early investment in trainees can have a lasting impact. A grant, scholarship, or moment of encouragement at the right time can help shape careers, build confidence, and foster future leaders in medicine. Through the Kirchgraber Student Fund, AMWA continues to strengthen the pipeline of future women physicians who will go on to care for patients, lead institutions, mentor others, and advance women’s health.
This is how we pay it forward in medicine — physicians helping to create opportunities for the next generation.
Interested in setting up a named fund in AMWA to support one of our initiatives? Want to leave your legacy and support women in medicine? Contact [email protected].