Published on September 10, 2025
Emma Lundgren, a first-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus in St. Cloud, was recently recognized as the recipient of the 2025 CentraCare Foundation Scholarship for Rural Medicine.
This scholarship covers full tuition for four years of medical school. Applicants submitted essays about their interest in rural medicine and goals for improving healthcare. Members of the CentraCare Foundation Board served on the selection committee. The Foundation will be awarding one full tuition scholarship for each incoming class.
Lundgren wrote in her application essay that she's witnessed firsthand how healthcare disparities, especially in rural communities and her own family, have an impact on health and wellbeing. She wrote that her desire to become a rural physician is simple: "There is a need, and I have the knowledge, skills and passion to meet that need. That is what fuels my commitment to this work."
Lundgren grew up in Sartell, Minn., and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Saint Benedict. As an undergraduate, Lundgren studied abroad in Chile and volunteered as a Spanish interpreter at a free clinic in St. Cloud. She said attending medical school is a purpose that intersects with her values and background.
"I want to serve smaller communities not only as a provider, but also as a listener, advocate and innovator. While resource limitations in rural settings present real challenges, those same constraints create opportunities for creative, impactful solutions," she said.
Holly Gulden, vice president of CentraCare Foundation, says she is proud CentraCare Foundation offered this first-ever award to medical students.
"The Scholarship for Rural Medicine is a commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in underserved areas," she explained. "By removing the burden of student debt, this scholarship empowers future physicians to choose specialties and practice locations based on passion and purpose, not financial constraints. It opens doors to careers in rural medicine, where the need is great and the impact is profound."
Learn more about CentraCare Foundation and how to support the needs of the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud, including scholarships for students and residency programs.
CentraCare Foundation's mission is to transform health through philanthropy and community engagement.