Meet The Team
Our Story
Pipeline Scholars was founded by Dr. Amy Schiffman and James Marinucci, who together bring decades of experience spanning medicine, healthcare, education, and professional development. Throughout our careers, we have worked alongside students, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and healthcare organizations, giving us a firsthand understanding of both the opportunities and barriers that exist within the healthcare education pipeline.
Over the years, we observed a common trend: more students than ever are expressing an interest in pursuing careers in healthcare, yet many struggle to access the experiences and guidance needed to confidently take the next step. While students are eager to become physicians, nurses, physician assistants, therapists, researchers, and other healthcare professionals, many are unsure where to begin. Opportunities such as clinical shadowing, internships, research experiences, mentorship, and career exploration can be difficult to find, particularly for students who lack established professional networks or access to knowledgeable mentors.
At the same time, we recognized that academic success alone is no longer enough. Healthcare education programs are increasingly seeking applicants who not only excel in the classroom but also demonstrate meaningful clinical exposure, leadership, professionalism, and a genuine understanding of patient care. Unfortunately, many capable and highly motivated students are unaware of how to gain these experiences or develop the skills necessary to become competitive applicants.
Pipeline Scholars was created to bridge this gap. Our mission is to provide students with early exposure to healthcare careers through immersive learning, hands-on experiences, mentorship, and professional skill development. By connecting students with real-world opportunities and practical guidance, we help them build confidence, make informed career decisions, and develop the experiences that prepare them for success in healthcare education and beyond.
We believe that every aspiring healthcare professional deserves access to the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. Pipeline Scholars exists to ensure that students are not only inspired to pursue careers in healthcare, but are also equipped with the tools, experiences, and support necessary to achieve them.
Dr. Amy Schiffman
Dr. Amy Schiffman is a board-certified physician, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. With more than two decades of experience in emergency medicine, geriatrics, hospice, and home-based primary care, she has founded and led innovative healthcare organizations while mentoring countless students and clinicians. As the founder of Pipeline Scholars, Dr. Schiffman combines real-world clinical expertise with a passion for education, helping students gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to pursue successful careers in healthcare.
Co-Founder
James Marinucci
James Marinucci is a Co- Founder of PIPELINE Scholars and Chief Executive Officer of Alleanza Global. With more than 25 years in academic emergency medicine, international medical operations, trauma innovation, and healthcare education, James has built programs that prepare people to serve in complex clinical environments. Through PIPELINE Scholars, he is focused on helping high school and college students discover the breadth of careers in healthcare—from clinical practice and emergency medicine to operations, technology, leadership, and service. His goal is to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals through practical exposure, mentorship, and a clearer path from curiosity to purpose.
Co-Founder
Leah Redmond
Leah has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in Public Health science. She has experience working as a medical assistant in both a clinical setting and in austere environments abroad. Leah now works as a project associate for Alleanza Global where she works to coordinate care to remote areas of the world. Through Pipeline Scholars Leah hopes to inspire young students to consider a career in healthcare and to expose them to a whole new world of potential pathways.
Program Coordinator
Eső Csíkos
Eső is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree in General Biology. She has experience in environmental health science, educational outreach coordination, direct patient care, and medical administrative support. Eső is eager to contribute to Pipeline’s pre-health education programs and empower the next generation of students.
Program Coordinator
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