Dec. 15, 2025  — The path to medical school for Anna Walls has focused on learning how to connect across cultures and experiences. Born in Japan and raised in Florida, Walls spent her childhood traveling between both countries, attending school in Japan every summer and returning to the U.S. during the fall and spring academic year.

“Growing up that way taught me how to adapt and observe, especially when it came to language and cultural context,” Walls said.

Now a fourth-year student at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Walls is one of four recipients of the Dr. Angelo and Alberta Anaclerio Scholarship, a fund established to help recruit top students to UF by supporting their medical education. The scholarship arrived not only as a financial gift for Walls but also as a powerful gesture of trust.

“It felt really meaningful to be selected,” she said. “Many of us experience imposter syndrome at some point during this journey, so it meant a lot to know someone believed in me. I’m truly grateful for that.”

Walls didn’t grow up around physicians or have a blueprint for getting into medical school. But she always found herself drawn to roles where she could support others and explain complex ideas in a way that made them feel less intimidating.

“What interested me most about medicine was the opportunity to build trust with people during moments when they’re anxious, confused or vulnerable,” she said.

Walls has a passion for two areas of practice: pediatrics and caring for underserved populations. She plans to pursue a residency in pediatrics and intends to integrate serving disadvantaged communities into her future career as a pediatrician.

“I love the energy, creativity and adaptability that working with children requires,” she said.

One of her most impactful experiences has been volunteering with the Grace Healthcare Homeless Outreach & Street Medicine Program, a partnership with the UF College of Medicine and the Alachua County Department of Community Support Services, which provides care to individuals experiencing homelessness.

“It’s been a constant reminder of why I came into medicine,” she said.

The Anaclerio Scholarship has provided Walls with a sense of stability and encouragement.

“Medical school can be intense, not just financially but emotionally,” she said. “Professionally, it reinforces how important community is in medicine. The strong sense of support and connection here at the UF College of Medicine is one of the things that drew me to this school in the first place, and receiving this scholarship has deepened that feeling.”

In the future, she hopes to carry forward the example set by the Anaclerios.

“Thank you to the Anaclerios for your generosity and for believing in students like me,” Walls said. “Your support has made a real impact — not just by helping with the financial realities of medical school, but by reminding me I’m part of a larger UF community.”