2023 Future of Medicine Leadership Scholarship

The Oregon Medical Education Foundation (OMEF)'s Future of Medicine Leadership Scholarship is helping Oregon’s current MD, DO & PA student leaders thrive!  

Award goals: This annual award was launched in 2021 to recognize the leadership talent and potential of students pursuing a medical education in Oregon.  In this competitive scholarship, one MD, one DO and one PA student ("Scholars") may be selected to receive a $10,000 award and additional support such as a mentor.  

While not strictly need-based, this scholarship aims to identify and support students at the intersection of leadership development and financial need, who have a track record of community impact and who, if financial or other obstacles were removed, would be able to achieve more and faster.      

Eligibility: Students enrolled in the programs listed to the right are eligible to apply.  

We understand that scholarship applications are an investment in time, so to help students decide whether to apply we have provided some additional guidance below.

• As a letter of good standing and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member are required, our preference is that applicants are at least a couple of months into their program.

• This scholarship is unique from other awards in that we seek to build a relationship with Scholars through mentorship and other assistance to help them throughout their medical education.  Therefore, while exceptions may be made for outstanding students, preference may be given to those graduating after June 2024.

• Additional (optional) questions have been added to help us better understand a student's financial situation and personal challenges.   

Application Overview:  A complete application is made up of responses to the online form, a Personal Statement, two Letters of Recommendation and a letter from your program's Registrar confirming you are in good standing at your institution.  

Everything but the online application should be in PDF and should have your name on it.

STEP ONE: Students, use the Apply Now button to start your application.  Please note, it must be completed in one session, you will not be able to save/come back to it.  No login is required.  One application per student.

• Online application: All required fields, optional financial questions, and space for additional context not easily captured in your  Personal Statement.

• PDF: Personal Statement: One page (8.5x11, no font/spacing requirements).   With a focus on your leadership development, share what inspired you to study medicine and an experience you had as a leader.  Describe your role, quantify your impact, lessons you have learned, and how that pertains to your future in medicine.  May be, but does not have to be, connected to your Community Leadership Letter of Recommendation.  

• PDF: Letter of Academic Good Standing: On your program's letterhead, typically provided by your Registrar.  Should include your start date, expected graduation date, program of study, and that you are in good standing.

STEP TWO:  Two Letters of Recommendation are required and can be submitted at anytime through this link.  

• PDF: Community Leadership Letter of Recommendation:  A thoughtful letter from someone you worked or volunteered with that talks specifically about your strengths and experience as a leader.  May be from any time or place in your life, ideally not connected to your academic program.  Volunteer leadership examples preferred but not required.

• PDF: Academic Letter of Recommendation: A thoughtful letter from a member of your program's faculty that talks specifically about your leadership and academic potential.  

All materials are due by 11:59pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.  Late/incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are selected as a Finalist, we will reach out to schedule a Zoom interview with our Review panel.  All applicants will be notified once the committee has made their decision no later than November 1.  Scholarship winners will be recognized at the Future of Medicine Awards dinner on November 3.  

Our annual Scholarship Drawing will be scheduled for early December, details to come.

Questions?  Contact OMEF Executive Director Julie Davidson (julie@theomef.org).  Thank you and good luck!