CAPA Announces 2026 PA Hunro Family Scholarship Award Recipient
CAPA proudly congratulates the recipient of the 2026 PA Hunro Family Scholarship. This award recognizes future Physician Associates who bring meaningful healthcare experience, a commitment to improving public health, and diverse cultural perspectives that strengthen culturally sensitive and competent care. CAPA looks forward to seeing how this future PAs carries forward the spirit of service and community impact embodied by the Hunro family.
Kimberly Montano, USC Keck School of Medicine PA Program
Recipient Reflections
Receiving the PA Hunro Family Scholarship is meaningful to me as I continue my journey toward becoming a PA and near the end of my training. PA school has been one of the most challenging yet transformative experiences of my life, and this award reminds me that the perspective I bring to the profession is valued. After what has felt like a long marathon of school, I’m grateful to have this financial support.
As a first-generation Bolivian American raised by a single mother, my experiences have shaped how I think about health care and the importance of representation. My work in emergency medicine, behavioral health, and public health, particularly in communities that face barriers to care, has shaped the kind of PA I hope to become. I want to provide accessible care while building trust with the communities I serve. I also enjoy sharing what has worked for me and celebrating other people’s success, so I hope to support future students throughout my career.
I especially identified with PA Sokan Hunro’s story and the path he created for his family and community. I’ve worked hard to get here, but I also know I wouldn’t have come this far without the people who have supported me along the way. I’m grateful to the Hunro family and CAPA for being part of that support and for helping me enter this next chapter with a little less financial burden and a lot of gratitude.
-Kimberly Montano
About the Recipient
Kimberly is a first-generation Bolivian American PA student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Sociology from Brandeis University before beginning her career as a 911 emergency medical technician and hospital emergency trauma technician. Her experiences led her to pursue a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences at UCLA. Kimberly currently serves as the CAPA Student Director and previously served as AAPA Western Regional Director. As an NHSC Scholar, she hopes to bring her clinical and public health backgrounds together throughout her career.