The Montana Medical Association recently celebrated four Montana WWAMI students at its 147th annual meeting and dinner in Helena, awarding each a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their dedication to medicine and service to communities across the state.
The 2025 recipients were first-year student Geri Cutler of Helena, second-year medical student Barla Beaudoin of Red Lodge, and third-year medical students Isbah Khan of Billings and Brittney Tierney of Butte.
Both Cutler and Tierney attended the dinner in person, reflecting on their journeys and what the honor means to them. Cutler, who is interested in pursuing primary care, said she is honored and grateful to receive the award.
“This scholarship eases financial burdens and allows me to continue focusing on both my studies and personal growth towards becoming a physician,” she said. “My inspiration for becoming a doctor is rooted in my interest in science, desire to work in a collaborative team environment, passion for building meaningful relationships with patients, and having the ability to make an impact on my community.”
For Tierney, who is drawn to palliative care, the recognition was deeply personal.
“When I learned I’d received the scholarship, I was genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude,” Tierney said. “It felt like a powerful affirmation — not just of my academic efforts, but of the values I hold close: service, perseverance, and a commitment to making healthcare more accessible in rural communities.”
Growing up in Butte, Tierney witnessed the healthcare barriers rural communities face, from limited access to specialists to the quiet struggles with mental health that can go unseen.
“I realized that medicine isn’t just about diagnosing. It’s about listening, translating complex information into something hopeful, and walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments,” she said.
By recognizing these students, the Montana Medical Association underscores the vital role medical education plays in preparing the next generation of physicians to serve Montana’s diverse and often underserved communities.