Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - A medical student at Upstate Medical University won't have to wait to finish medical school before she will start making a difference in the lives of real people.

Skaneateles native, Kathleen Isles, was announced as the winner of the 2014 Ripple Effect Contest Tuesday morning.

Heart To Heart International and Welch Allyn will send Kathleen, along with three other medical students, to Haiti this summer.

They will join doctors and aid workers, for one week, in impoverished communities.

Kathleen found out the news when CEO's from both organizations made a surprise trip to Syracuse, and into her classroom.

"I'm really sweaty. My heart's pumping. This is an amazing opportunity, and I'm really looking forward to it," says Kathleen Isles. "Even though I'm only one person, I can take my knowledge and my skill set, and make a difference, whether it be one person or a whole village."

Welch Allyn has given more than $12 million dollars worth of medical equipment to Heart To Heart International to make these medical missions possible. Click here to learn more about the Ripple Effect Program.

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Surprise: Upstate Medical student learns she won contest, will travel to Haiti on medical mission