A Clarkdale High School student’s path to becoming a doctor became a lot smoother Wednesday. 

Bridgette Cerda-Marin was presented a $2,500 scholarship from Anderson Regional Medical Center during a ceremony at her school. The Clarkdale junior will use the money to attend the MSU Rural Medical and Science Scholars Program this summer, where she’ll shadow medical professionals in Starkville and Jackson, earning college credit in the process. 

“Ever since I was in kindergarten I always wanted to become a surgeon or a doctor,” said Cerda-Marin. “Actually, I’ve never held this much money in my hands before.” 

The MSU Rural Medical and Science Scholars Program helps rising high school seniors decide if they want to pursue health-related careers, and shapes their understanding of medicine, health-related disciplines, and other STEM fields, according to its website.

It also encourages young people to practice medicine in rural areas because of the high need, according to Ann Sansing, an extension instructor with the program. Clarkdale principal Ken Hardy said this is the second year a student from the school has been accepted into the program. 

Cerda-Martin, who became interested in healthcare after watching the television show  “Botched”, plans to study orthopedics because she like how bones work.

She hopes to learn more about the medical field this summer, and also wants to build connections with doctors.

“I hope that I can meet a lot of physicians that will give me advice about the future,” said Cerda-Marin, who is looking forward to taking classes in orthopedics, gynecology, and pediatrics.

After high school, Cerda-Marin hopes to study chemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi, then complete her medical training at William Carey University. Her long-term goal is to work in plastic surgery or orthopedic surgery.

Once she’s done with school, Cerda-Marin plans to return to Lauderdale County and complete her residency at Anderson. She said she wants to help her community, and that this is her home.

“I’ve grown up here and I really don’t want to move,” she said. “I’m kind of used to a small town feel and I really like it.”