2009 Gregory Maupin, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Winner

(COLUMBUS, IND)  Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce Kyra Reed of North Vernon, Indiana, as the recipient of the Gregory Maupin, M.D. Memorial Scholarship. 

When Gregory Maupin, M.D. passed away at the age of 45 in 2006, his family established a scholarship to honor his memory, his passion for the practice of medicine, his zest for life, and his affection for the community where he grew up.  This one-time scholarship, in the amount of $4,000, was created for medical students who are graduates of Jennings County or Hauser High Schools or residents of Jennings County. 

 “We had four highly qualified applicants,” stated Julie Abedian, President Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation.  “The residents and educators in Jennings County should feel a great sense of pride that their community has produced such high-quality students who all will make excellent physicians.”

“I’m from a rural area, first generation of college students in my family.  I have a huge family and have seen the difficulties in getting by in a small town.  I wanted to get into medicine and come back to my community and make a difference,” replied Kyra when asked why she chose to go into rural medicine.  “IU had a new program in Terre Haute for rural medicine, and everything just seemed to fall into place.  In 2012, I’ll graduate and then do a three-year residency.” 

The scholarship will help her with all the books, medical school expenses, and help to get her back to her town.  “I feel it’s such an honor to receive this scholarship, and it means so much to my family,” expressed Kyra.  Her husband of 1½ years has been stationed in Japan for the past three years and will be home next fall.  “He’s going to go back to school and be a student, also.  So this money will really help.”

Kyra professed, “The patients keep me going.  Health is everything, you’re happier when you’re healthy.  I want to do what I can to improve the quality of life for my patients.”  Julie summed it all up by noting, “Kyra had a unique combination of qualifications, experiences, and career plans that distinguished her among the candidates.  We are confident her career will reflect Dr. Maupin’s legacy of excellence and commitment to his patients, profession and community.”