College Scholars Program
“As a public health nutrition advocate, the College Scholars Program at the University of Tennessee greatly enhanced my educational, professional, and personal journey to be where I am today.”
Ashlyn Anderson (’22)
UT Torchbearer
Student Spotlight

Women’s healthcare exists at the intersection of science, policy, and social inequality. As someone pursuing a career in medicine, I believe that treating illness also requires understanding the systemic barriers that shape health outcomes, particularly for marginalized populations. My proposed program combines coursework in biology, public health, medical humanities, gender studies, and sociology to examine how reproductive and cancer care are influenced by healthcare systems, cultural narratives, and legal frameworks.
With a specific focus on ovarian cancer and gynecologic diseases, I am interested in how these conditions affect women’s decision-making power, access to care, and long-term health. This program will allow me to explore how reproductive technologies and cancer treatment intersect with ethical concerns and disparities in healthcare delivery. By integrating scientific study with social and policy-based inquiry, I hope to contribute to a future of medicine that is equitable, inclusive, and deeply informed by the diverse experiences of the communities it serves.