Morehead-Cain Champions spotlight on Amir Barzin ’06: “I can say unequivocally and without hesitation that the Morehead-Cain Scholarship changed the trajectory of my life”
At last year’s in-person Discovery Weekend for scholarship recipients, Selections recruited Amir Barzin ’06 to act as point for all coronavirus-related concerns.
What was no small ask from Morehead-Cain was worlds apart from what the alumnus has managed on behalf of UNC–Chapel Hill: Amir has led the University’s COVID-19 response since the beginning of the pandemic.
And those are just two of the many ways the public health expert has served the Program and Carolina’s communities through his time, expertise, and mentorship. Amir, the medical director for virtual care services and the UNC Clinical Contact Center for UNC Health, is a Morehead-Cain Ambassador, Champion, and Mentor.
Accelerating ‘lifelong’ impact
As an ambassador, Amir supports development-focused programs and initiatives throughout the year, as well as supports recruitment efforts.
Amir says connecting with alumni and giving to future, current, and past scholars have added a “lifelong” component to his experience as an alumnus.
“What scholars are looking for in us may be something simple: an ear to listen or someone to give recommendations on next steps,” says Amir, who participated in the Morehead-Cain Mentoring Program panel at the 2022 Discovery Weekend to share about his mentoring relationship with Francis Reed ’22.
“I’ve been truly amazed at how much I can actually offer, and have moved past my intimidation to be able to make an impact.”
Join the Morehead-Cain Class Ambassadors group on the Morehead-Cain Network to connect with peers, exchange resources, and receive updates about the Foundation’s fundraising efforts and goals.
“I can say unequivocally and without hesitation that the Morehead-Cain Scholarship changed the trajectory of my life.” —Amir Barzin ’06, Morehead-Cain Champion
In addition to serving on the selections committee for several years, Amir supports scholars as a recurring donor through the Morehead-Cain Champions program. He and his wife, Anna, have a goal of giving back the total amount of funding he received from the scholarship, one donation at a time.
“I can say unequivocally and without hesitation that the Morehead-Cain Scholarship changed the trajectory of my life, and I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today were it not for the Foundation taking a chance on someone like me,” says Amir, the former director of the UNC Family Medicine Center and the chief resident physician of UNC Hospitals Department of Family Medicine.
“I hope that others see the impact that our donations can make, no matter the size, and continue to support and give.”
With an ever-growing talent pool, Amir says the future of the Program is “as bright as can be.”
“I say two things to myself every selections season: ‘These applications get better and better every year, and how in the world was I ever so lucky to get this scholarship?’ These scholars are motivated to make a change.”
Amir holds a master’s in medical science and a doctor of osteopathic medicine from the University of North Texas. He resides in Chapel Hill with his family.
More than 100 alumni and friends comprise the Morehead-Cain Champions program. Visit the University’s giving page to set up an automatic, recurring gift. All donations support the Morehead-Cain Scholarship.