Monthly Portraits
Meet the faces shaping the future of healthcare. Our scholars and alumni are making an impact that goes far beyond the clinic, transforming communities and advancing access to excellent care across the country. NMF Portraits, our new digital magazine cover series, shines a spotlight on a remarkable scholar or alumnus each month, sharing their stories, passions, and the paths that led them to make a difference.
January 2026
"Excellence is not just curing illness – it is restoring dignity, empowering autonomy, and building trust in medically underserved communities."
Richie Tran earned his Master’s in Family Practice Nursing from UCLA while working as a registered nurse for Cedars-Sinai. Tran previously worked as a registered nurse with Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System and a pediatric intensive care nurse with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia while earning his post-baccalaureate, and as a medical surgical nurse with AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center after earning his Bachelor of Science in registered nursing from Rutgers University.
Did You Know?
Registered nurses (RNs) are essentially endurance athletes, walking an average of 4–5 miles (or roughly a 5K) during a single 12-hour shift. As the largest healthcare profession in the U.S. with over 4 million professionals, they also consistently rank as the most trusted profession for ethics and honesty.
December 2025
"I want my legacy to be one of compassion, clarity, and commitment to the next generation of healers."
Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris is an NMF alumna who has spent over three decades advancing access to quality care for children and families. An internal medicine physician, speaker, and global patient advocate, Dr. Newell-Harris was the first physician and 16th president of The Links, Inc. She has advanced initiatives in women's health, human trafficking, behavioral health, and more.
Did You Know?
The word legacy comes from the Latin legare, meaning “to leave behind” or “to pass on.” A legacy isn’t just what you achieve—it’s the impact, values, and care you leave with others. For Dr. Newell-Harris, that includes breaking down barriers so patients feel informed and empowered, while lifting up the next generation of healers along the way. Discover how her journey is shaping a legacy of meaningful, lasting impact.
November 2025
"Being part of NMF’s legacy feels like entering a lineage of changemakers who broke barriers and uplifted communities through service. It is an honor to contribute to that story."
Our debut feature, Dr. Antoinette Charles, is a Haitian-American physician whose path to medicine is rooted in her heritage and the legacy of Haiti’s historic “Bone Setters.”
Did You Know?
Haiti has a long, respected tradition of “bone setters”—community healers skilled in treating fractures, sprains, and musculoskeletal injuries long before formal orthopedic medicine reached the island. Passed down through generations, this practice blends anatomical knowledge, tactile skill, and cultural wisdom. Discover how tradition and a passion to heal have shaped Dr. Charles' journey to becoming an orthopedic surgeon.