ElevateMeD Scholar: Kendra Roland

Meet Kendra Roland

ElevateMeD Scholar 2024-25

Kendra Roland shares how a life changing moment brought her clarity and purpose, and how the journey to medicine doesn't have to be hard with the support of community.

• Hometown: Rapid City, South Dakota

• Medical Education: University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences

• Undergraduate Education: University of North Dakota in Biology and MPH

• Current Career Plan: Apply to anesthesia residency programs in the fall of 2025. Attending a training program that encompasses quality care, health equity, and puts family and community at its forefront is of utmost important to me. I hope to become an informed and accessible

• Specialty Interest: Anesthesiology

• I am most proud of my resiliency. This journey to medicine has been full of ups and downs and I have experienced personal hardships throughout my medical education. Through the support of those around me I have been able to overcome many obstacles and am here before you today more committed than ever to gain the skills needed for a successful and long lasting career in medicine.

• You might be surprised to know that in my spare time I am an artist who runs a small business. I enjoy creating art through different modalities such as beadwork and sewing. I have been fortunate to have learned this art through friends and family along the way.

• ElevateMeD is… a part of the solution. They promote diversity in medicine and support those who need it most. They understand the importance of peer support, professional development, and inclusivity. I feel at ease knowing that an organization like Elevate MeD exists with its cause devoted entirely to promoting diversity of physicians and medical education in underrepresented communities.