Teguru Tembo Named Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship Winner

SOUTHFIELD, MI – December 21, 2020 – Buckfire Law is pleased to announce Teguru Tembo has been named this year’s recipient of the 2020 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship.

This annual award began in 2014 as a way for the Michigan-based law firm to show its commitment to helping medical students pursue their educational and career goals.

Tembo is currently enrolled at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, studying medicine with a goal to help and advocate for patients who speak languages other than English. Specifically, his focus is on Spanish and Chinese.

Tembo found his passion for advocating for those whose native language is not English when he worked as a teacher in inner-city Los Angeles. While working with students of other cultures and other backgrounds, he experienced firsthand the impact of language. He communicated in Spanish to his Spanish-speaking students and their parents, and he was able to re-engage these students and provide them with much-needed support.

Those who do not speak English face difficulties and barriers when it comes to medical care, according to Tembo. It’s not uncommon for non-English speaking individuals to feel apprehensive about seeking medical attention which often leads to having health issues go unaddressed until it becomes emergent, Tembo said.

During his work in community health clinics and by learning and speaking multiple languages, Tembo has been able to connect and engage with more patients, which allows them the same access and medical support as English speakers.

“I was impressed by Teguru’s thoughtfulness and compassion,” said Lawrence J. Buckfire, President and Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law. “It’s important for every patient to feel supported by their doctors, and his drive to make that happen by focusing on non-native English-speaking patients is inspiring. We are proud to name him our Buckfire Law Medical School Diversity winner.”

Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. awards one student each year with the $2,000 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship is available to a student attending medical school who is also a member of an ethnic, racial, or other minority, or someone who demonstrates a commitment to issues of diversity within their community.

Founded in 1969 by David Buckfire, Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. represents clients injured in all types of accident and injury cases. The firm offers four separate academic scholarships annually for students wanting to continue their education. For more information on the scholarship program, visit our page.