Minneapolis, United States:
Wallin Education Partners
Building A Healthier World Through Education
Edward Stronge is hard-core smart, with a purpose. Training to be a physician-scientist, he hopes to find cures for people with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers and Huntingtons disease.
He spends countless hours in classrooms and research laboratories at the University of Minnesota, drawing inspiration from a medical professional he knows very well.
"My mother is a nurse and I've always admired her devotion to her work," says Stronge. "Seeing the drive she has to help other people led me to want to do the same."
Edward's talent and dedication fuel his journey. Yet, he recognizes the help he receives along the way. As a Medtronic Scholar, he receives a four-year scholarship from the Wallin Education Partners, as well as support services to assist him during his collegiate studies.
"Being a Medtronic Scholar has really helped me prepare for my future," he says. "My Wallin advisor recommended me for The Minnesota Future Docs Program where I was able to work full-time as a research assistant, and meet physicians who are already where I hope to be in the future." The Medtronic Foundation also supports the Minnesota Future Docs program.
Many of the Medtronic Foundation's grant programs are closely aligned with the company's commitment to address the global burden of chronic disease. In education, the Foundation recognizes that the improved health of the world will depend on a steady stream of healthcare innovators, like Edward, that bring new ideas to the table.
"I think I always strive to be humble and to remember that thousands of talented young students don't have the opportunities I've been presented with," says Edward. "It's sometimes easy to want to take full credit for my successes, but I always think of those who have helped me get where I am today."