The Rath Foundation - An Enduring Legacy at UW-Madison

UW–Madison was an educational home to me for nine years. I had some of the most encouraging, engaging, supportive professors who fostered a keen sense of curiosity. The Rath scholarship made it possible for me to pursue my interest in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. I am currently an assistant professor of psychiatry and the chief of psychiatry at the Durham VA Medical Center. I teach medical students and residents and care for patients with the neurodegenerative illnesses that I studied as a graduate student. My time at the UW was formative in my development as an academic psychiatrist. Receiving the Rath scholarship inspired me to give back to worthy causes, in addition to mentoring other trainees to further their academic and professional goals Rath scholarships are important to support students in their academic endeavors to ensure the future development of leaders in their fields. I have been able to take a position that contributes meaningfully to veteran health and to education rather than seek positions with higher salaries for the purpose of reducing personal debt. Thank you for seeing my potential in its nascent form and giving it the resources, environment, and support needed to allow it to grow and flourish. This has been a great gift to me, and I have immense gratitude. Thank you for nurturing UW students and allowing this fantastic institution to continue to foster talent from a variety of different backgrounds. I was so fortunate to be shaped by some of the world's most important thought leaders, and it has made me the academic physician I am today.

Rebekah Jakel PhD'06, MD'08 Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Doctorate in Neuroscience Doctor of Medicine

Neuroscience Training Program Medical Scientist Training Program Psychiatry Residency

“Thank you for seeing my potential in its nascent form and giving it the resources, environment, and support needed to allow it to grow and flourish.”

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH