Katelyn Brown, MS3, Accepted into REACH 2.0 Scholars’ Addiction Medicine Program

Katelyn Brown, MS3, a third‑year medical student at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and a member of the Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG), has been accepted into the Recognizing and Eliminating Disparities in Addiction Through Culturally Informed Healthcare (REACH) 2.0 Scholars Addiction Medicine Program. Her acceptance into the national program further advances her education and experience in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine.

REACH 2.0 is a SAMHSA‑funded national mentorship and immersive training program focused on evidence‑based addiction health care practices for students, residents, and fellows. Through collaboration, specialized training, and national networking, Scholars and Near Peers gain the skills and support needed to deliver responsive, equity‑focused care.

Heather Brougham, DO, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Faculty Advisor for FMIG—a student‑led interest group for learners interested in exploring or pursuing careers in Family Medicine—mentored Katelyn through the application process for the REACH 2.0 scholarship.

Dr. Brougham expressed excitement about Katelyn’s acceptance, noting that engaging in opportunities like this early in medical training allows students to benefit from increased mentorship, hands‑on experience, and national networking with the potential to influence where they apply for residency training.

“When we have students with interests who find opportunities to enhance and support these interests early in their careers, it is extremely rewarding knowing this will help support their future in medicine,” said Dr. Brougham.

Katelyn is equally excited to join the program and plans to share her experience with Dr. Brougham and others, encouraging fellow students to apply for similar opportunities.

Dr. Brougham encourages students to apply for scholarship programs, as it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in areas of interest while providing financial and learning resources.

“You can’t apply to scholarships if you don’t know they exist, and there are so many opportunities available,” said Dr. Brougham. “The advising team in our department does a great job keeping track of the special interests of our students which is how this opportunity ultimately ended up with Katelyn. I would encourage students to ensure their clinical faculty, mentors, and advisors are aware of any areas of interest within medicine or even outside of medicine. We are all here to support!”

Congratulations to Katelyn on her scholarship acceptance. The Department of Family Medicine looks forward to following her career and the opportunities this program will bring.