General Scholarships & Awards

Since inception, National Medical Fellowships’ scholarships and awards have been at the core of its programming. NMF scholarship programs recognize merit as well as financial need. Over the years, funding for scholarships has come from hundreds of foundations and from individuals. NMF actively seeks and welcomes partnerships to build the scholarship program.

General Eligibility

Proof of U.S. citizenship or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval letter (Permanent Residents/Green Card Holders are not eligible)

(DACA) approval letter Currently enrolled in an accredited, graduate-level U.S. healthcare program Please note the required degree program type for each NMF scholarship The Drs. Ludlow & Ruth Creary Family Foundation Scholarship is open to students in their 2nd year of undergraduate studies The Genita Evangelista Johnson Endowed Scholarship is open to students in their senior year of high school The Dr. Muriel Petioni Scholarship is open to both medical students and students graduating from college/post-baccalaureate program

Underrepresented minority student NMF designates the following racial/ethnic groups as underrepresented minorities: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native Americans (American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian), Asian American (Vietnamese and Cambodian only), and Pacific Islander.

Demonstrated leadership ability

Commitment to serving medically underserved communities

See below for scholarship program descriptions, which may include additional eligibility requirements. Please note: any year in school requirements should be based on applicant’s status for the school year listed in the program description (e.g., 2019-2020).



As new scholarships and awards become available during the year, they will be listed on the NMF website and social media. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates.

For questions regarding NMF Scholarships & Programs, please contact scholarships@nmfonline.org.

For questions regarding the NMF Primary Care Leadership Program, please contact pclpinfo@nmfonline.org.

If you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship, please contact Paula Mejia at pmejia@nmfonline.org

About the Scholarship Programs

Alliant Health Solutions/NMF Alzheimer’s or Related Dementia Care Scholarship

Established in 2018, this award provides a $7,000 scholarship to two (2) 3rd or 4th year underrepresented minority medical students, who attend medical school in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas. This scholarship features an enhanced learning experience wherein selected Scholars will complete a research paper focused on a specific issue related to Alzheimer’s or Related Dementia Care. Potential research topics may explore issues related to care delivery in settings across the healthcare system. Scholars will formulate their research papers between October 2020 – December 2020 and will be expected to provide monthly updates on their project. From January – March 2021, they will submit a paper, poster, and PowerPoint, and in April 2021 they will present their projects at the Alliant Health Solutions Board Meeting. Upon completion of the program, the Scholars will have an enhanced perspective of working with individuals affected by Alzheimer’s or Related Dementia.

The application will open on June 29, 2020. Applications are due at 11:59pm on August 31, 2020. To start your application, you must first complete the eligibility form by clicking here.

Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award

Established by NMF Alumna Yvonne S. Thornton, MD, MPH, FACOG, the Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy Memorial Scholarship is given in honor of three enslaved women who, as subjects of experimentation, helped shape advances in clinical and surgical knowledge and are recognized today as the Mothers of Gynecology. This $5,000 scholarship will be given to one (1) African-American woman who is a known descendant of American slaves, and is enrolled in an accredited US medical school program. Finalists will be interviewed by Dr. Thornton.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Andrea Pinnock Scholarship

Established in 2020 by Drs. Helen Byrd and Lascelles Pinnock, this $5,000 need-based Scholarship will be awarded to a student of Caribbean descent, who is enrolled at Wayne State School of Medicine for the 2020-2021 academic year, and who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to service.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

The Aspiring Future Physicians Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Tamara O’Neal

Established in 2020 by NMF Alumna Dr. Felecia Williams in memory of NMF Alumna Dr. Tamara O’Neal, this need-based $10,000 Scholarship will be awarded to a first generation, 4th year underrepresented minority student enrolled in a US accredited medical school for the 2020-2021, who has demonstrated financial need, commitment to underserved communities, and interest in the fields of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Emergency Medicine or Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

The Aspiring Physicians Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2020 by NMF Alumna Dr. Felecia Williams in memory of her father Mr. Willie James Williams, this need-based $5,000 Scholarship will be awarded to an African American medical student who meets the following eligibility criteria: 1) originally from Detroit, MI, 2) first generation in their family to go to college, 3) enrolled in an accredited US medical school for the 2020-2021 academic year, 4) has documented financial need, and 5) has demonstrated an interest in Pediatrics. This Scholarship may be renewed provided that the student remains in good academic standing.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)/Darrell G. Kirch, MD Scholarship

Established in 2019 by the AAMC Board of Directors, this scholarship honors the exemplary leadership of Dr. Darrell G. Kirch and recognizes his deep commitment to creating a diverse workforce of healthcare professionals. This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to eight (8) 1st year underrepresented minority medical students (for the 2019-2020 academic year), who are enrolled at an LCME-accredited US, MD-granting medical school. The selected students must demonstrate both community service and leadership, and will be eligible to renew for another three years (i.e., 4 years of funding), provided that they meet renewal criteria. The scholarship funds should be used for tuition fees and/or living expenses. The Scholarship recipients will be required to attend the Nickens Awards session at the AAMC’s Learn Serve Lead (LSL) 2019 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Conference registration fees will be waived and AAMC will cover up to two (2) nights of lodging for each Scholar.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not be accepting any new applications for this Scholarship until 2023.

Carl H. & Thelma C. Caison, Sr. Scholarship

Established in 2019 by Dr. Jann Caison-Sorey in memory of her parents, this need-based $5,000 award will be awarded to an African American male medical student (MD Only) enrolled in an accredited medical school for the 2020-2021 academic year, who is originally from the State of Michigan. The selected Scholar must demonstrate academic strength, financial need, and interest in practicing Primary Care.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Colgate-Palmolive/NMF Dental Leadership Program

Colgate-Palmolive and NMF are pleased to announce the Colgate-Palmolive/NMF Dental Leadership Program. This need-based award provides two (2) $5,000 scholarships to support underrepresented minority students, who are enrolled in an accredited US dental school (DDS/DMD) program and demonstrate commitment to leadership and serving medically underserved communities.

Application currently closed.

Don Levin Trust Scholarship

Established in 2019, this scholarship provides a $10,000 award to one (1) rising 1st year medical student matriculated in a US accredited medical (MD/DO) school who has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval. Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to working with underserved populations.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not be accepting any new applications for 2020.

Dr. Randolph Chase Memorial Scholarship

Established by New York University School of Medicine in 2015, the Dr. Randolph Chase Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 is awarded to one (1) 4th year New York University School of Medicine minority medical student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in community service.

There is no open application for this Scholarship. Recipient is selected internally.

Drs. Ludlow & Ruth Creary Family Foundation Scholarship

Established in 2020, this Scholarship will provide $2,500 to an African American or Black 2nd year undergraduate student from California interested in the Allied Health Professions. If the selected Scholar is in proximity to Los Angeles, he/she will be required to attend the NMF Los Angeles Champions of Health Awards on September 23, 2020.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Dr. James Curtis Scholarship

Established by Weill Cornell Medicine in honor of NMF Alumnus Dr. James Curtis, this Scholarship awards $5,000 to one (1) fourth year minority medical student who has demonstrated outstanding academic scholarship, leadership and involvement in community service. The award recipient is jointly nominated by the Offices of Diversity and Inclusion, Student Diversity, and Medical Education at Weill Cornell Medicine.

There is no open application for this Scholarship. Recipient is selected internally.

Dr. Herman and Shirley Gray Family Scholarship

Established in 2019 by NMF Alumnus Dr. Herman Gray, Jr., MD, MBA in memory of his father, Herman B. Gray, Sr., MD, this need-based award provides two (2) awards of $7,500 to African American students who are enrolled at the Wayne State University School of Medicine for the 2020-2021 academic year, and have a demonstrated interest in Public Health, Community Health, Population Health or Children and Families. The selected Scholars will be required to attend a reception in Detroit, MI – TBD.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Dr. James McCune Smith Medical Student Award

Established in 2019, this award is given in honor of Dr. James McCune Smith, who was the first African American to receive a medical degree. The award provides $5,000 to one (1) African American, Afro-Latino, or Native American student enrolled in an accredited medical school in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. McCune in his or her commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service and research. As part of their application, students must comment on their current health disparities research. The selected Scholar will be required to give a 10-minute presentation on his or her research on health disparities at the Dr. James McCune Smith Scholarship Lecture and Awards Reception. Click here to view the 2020 Scholar’s presentation on health disparities research.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021

Dr. David Kearney McDonogh Scholarship in Ophthalmology/ENT

The Dr. David Kearney McDonogh Scholarship in Ophthalmology/ENT is designed to increase the number of qualified physicians who are interested in a career in Ophthalmology or Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialties. The scholarship is a $5,000 award to at least two (2) African-American, Afro-Latino, or Native American medical students enrolled in an accredited US medical school for the 2020-2021 academic year. Eligible candidates must be committed to academic excellence, research, leadership and service. The awarded Scholars are required to attend and present their research in Ophthalmology/ENT at the McDonogh Reception in New York City in November 2020. Scholars who are selected from another US State will be expected to video conference into the event to accept the award and present his or her research.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Dr. Theodore Quincy Miller Scholarship

Established in 2019 to honor the memory of NMF Alumnus Dr. Theodore Quincy Miller, this need-based Scholarship awards $5,000 to one (1) African American male medical student enrolled at an LCME-accredited US, MD-granting medical school, who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to service. Top applicants will be selected for a phone interview with Dr. Miller’s family.

Application currently closed.

Dr. Silas Norman, Jr. Scholarship

Established in 2020 by Dr. Marc Keshishian in memory of NMF Alumnus Dr. Silas Norman, Jr., this $5,000 need-based Scholarship will be awarded to an African American student enrolled at Wayne State School of Medicine for the 2020-2021 academic year, who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to service.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Dr. Fred D. Parrott’s The Real Men Cook Foundation Academic Scholarship of Excellence and Endowment Challenge Fund.

Established in 2020 by Dr. Fred D. Parrott and The Real Men Cook Foundation, this $12,500 award will be given to eight (8) African American medical students attending HBCU medical schools for the 2020-2021 academic year, who have demonstrated academic excellence and strong community service. Scholars are nominated by the medical school Dean’s Office

There is no open application for this Scholarship. Recipients are selected internally.

Dr. Muriel Petioni Scholarship

The Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society (SSMSMS) was founded in 1974 by Dr. Muriel Petioni to provide support, networking, role modeling and mentorship for women of color who are or who aspire to become physicians. The SSMSMS awards two (2) Dr. Muriel Petioni Scholarships to promising young women of color who are pursuing careers in medicine. One (1) scholarship of $1,500 will be given to a Black or Latina woman enrolled in an accredited medical school in New Jersey, New York, or Puerto Rico. One (1) scholarship of $1,000 will be given to a Black or Latina woman who will have graduated from college or completed a post-baccalaureate program in New Jersey, New York, or Puerto Rico by June of 2020, and who is currently applying to medical school to begin in Fall 2020 (2020-2021 Academic Year). Applicants will need to provide documentation of their medical school application (e.g. AMCAS) as well as proof of interviews granted/and or current acceptances.

The selected medical student and collegiate student scholars are expected to make brief remarks of appreciation at the March 21, 2020 SSMSMS Brunch taking place at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Scholars who are selected from outside of the New Jersey or New York metropolitan area will have the option to video conference into the event.

Application currently closed.

Dr. Prentiss Taylor Scholarship

Established in 2020, this Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 will be given to one (1) underrepresented minority medical student, who is enrolled in an accredited US medical school for the 2020-2021 academic year and has demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service. As part of the application, students must discuss how they hope to make an impact in their career in healthcare.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Dr. Richard Zapanta Scholarship

Established in 2019 in memory of Dr. Richard Zapanta, NMF Distinguished Alumnus and Former National Alumni Council Chair, this high distinction award of $7,500 is given to a Hispanic or Latino medical student, previously recognized by NMF, who embodies the qualities of Dr. Zapanta’s legacy in leadership and community service. The Scholar will be selected by NMF internally –

There is no open application for this Scholarship. Recipient is selected internally.

Empire State Medical Association Scholarship Award

Established by the Empire State Medical Association in 2016, this award provides a $2,500 scholarship to one (1) African American student enrolled in a New York City accredited medical school in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The Selected Scholar will be required to attend the Scholar Reception in early 2020. Click here to read the 2019 ESMA Scholar Bio.

Application currently closed.

Franklin C. McLean Award

Instituted in 1968 in memory of the NMF founder, this title award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service, and is presented during the AAMC Annual Meeting. The recipient of this Award is selected from among fourth-year medical students previously recognized by NMF.

There is no open application for this Scholarship. Recipient is selected internally.

Genita Evangelista Johnson Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2018, this need-based Scholarship provides a $2,500 award to one (1) female African American high school Senior in Los Angeles, who has been accepted into a four-year collegiate program and has a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine. The recipient must show proof of college enrollment upon selection and will required to attend the Los Angeles Champions of Health Awards on September 23, 2020.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Hugh J. Andersen Memorial Scholarship Program

The Hugh J. Andersen Memorial Scholarship was established in 1982 in honor of the longtime NMF contributor in Minneapolis/St. Paul. This award provides a $5,000 scholarship to two (2) 2nd or 3rd year underrepresented minority medical students enrolled in a Minnesota medical school for the 2020-2021 academic year, in recognition of leadership and community service.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Scholarship

The Josiah Macy Jr. Scholarship was established in 2001 by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation. This scholarship provides $5,000 to six (6) 2nd or 3rd year minority medical students enrolled in an accredited US medical school program for the 2020-2021 academic year and who demonstrate financial need as well as academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Manhattan Central Medical Society Scholarship

Established by the Manhattan Central Medical Society in 2014, this award provides a $2,500 scholarship to one (1) African American medical student enrolled in an accredited medical school the greater New York City area. The Selected Scholar will be required to attend the Scholar Reception in early 2020. Click here to read the 2019 MCMS Scholar Bio.

Application currently closed.

Mary Ball Carrera Scholarship

Established by NMF Board member Neal Ball to honor the memory of his sister Mary Ball Carrera, this award provides a $2,500 scholarship to one (1) outstanding Native American woman, recognized for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service, and enrolled in an accredited US medical school for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Michigan Scholarship Fund

Established in 2019, this $5,000 Scholarship will be awarded to three (3) underrepresented minority medical students who are enrolled in an accredited medical school in the state of Michigan for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

New York Community Trust/NMF Medical Research Scholarships

The New York Community Trust seeks to nurture the talent of medical students engaged in community health research in underserved communities. Seven (7) $6,000 scholarships are awarded to medical students (for the 2020-2021 Academic Year) from underrepresented minority groups. Five (5) scholarships will support hepatitis research, one (1) will support behavioral health research, and one (1) will support medical research (any topic). Students must attend medical school in within the 5 boroughs of New York City. As part of the application, students will submit a project scoping form which outlines the project description, research site (i.e. research center or social service agency/organization) and timeline. By December 2020, Scholars must complete their research project and submit a project report and poster that will be displayed at the New York NMF Gala event in Spring 2021.

The application will open on May 11, 2020. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. To start your application, you must first complete the eligibility form by clicking here.

NMA Emerging Scholars Awards

Established in 2004, this award provides $5,000 to two (2) African American, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year medical students (for the 2020-2021 Academic Year) who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, financial need and potential for distinguished contributions to medicine. These awards are the highest honors presented to students by the National Medical Association. The two award recipients are required to attend, and will be presented with the scholarship at the Virtual 2020 NMA 118th Convention Scientific Assembly. The registration fee to attend the conference will be waived for each student Scholar.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

NMA Emerging Scholars Infectious Disease Research Awards

Established in 2020, this award provides $11,500 to two (2) African American medical students (for the 2020-2021 Academic Year) who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in Infectious Diseases research and clinical trials. The two award recipients are required to attend, and will be presented with the scholarship at the Virtual 2020 NMA 118th Convention Scientific Assembly. The registration fee to attend the conference will be waived for each student Scholar.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

NMF Fitzbutler-Jones Alumni Society of the University of Michigan Scholarship Fund

Established in 2019, this need-based $5,000 Scholarship will be awarded to a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year African American student who is enrolled at the University of Michigan Medical School for the 2020-2021 academic year, and who has demonstrated excellence in academics and financial need.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

NMF National Alumni Council Scholarship Program

Established to help address the severe national shortage of physician-leaders who are committed to the health of underserved communities, this award will provide a $5,000 scholarship to eight (8) fourth-year medical students for the 2020-2021 academic year from underrepresented minority groups who have demonstrated evidence of community service and leadership potential at an early stage in their professional careers. For a list of our 2019 Scholarship recipients, click here.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

Victor Grifols Roura Scholarship

Established in 2013, this award provides a $7,500 scholarship to one (1) 2nd or 3rd year underrepresented minority medical student who attends medical school in California and has a clinical interest in hematology. The awarded Scholar will be expected to attend the NMF Los Angeles Champions of Health Awards in June 2021.

The application will open on June 29, 2020. Applications are due at 11:59pm on August 17, 2020. To start your application, you must first complete the eligibility form by clicking here.

Wayne Anthony Butts Scholarship

The Wayne Anthony Butts Scholarship was established in 2013 by distinguished NMF Alumnus Dr. Gary C. Butts to honor his late brother. This award of $5,000 is given to one (1) 1st or 2nd year underrepresented minority medical student studying in the New York metropolitan area, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, leadership, community service, and interest in urban health. The selected scholar will be presented with the award during the NMF New York Champions of Health Awards on May 21, 2020.

Application for 2020 is now closed and will not reopen until 2021.

William and Charlotte Cadbury Award

Established in 1977 in honor of NMF’s former Executive Director and his wife, this title award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service, and is presented during the AAMC Annual Meeting. The recipient of this Award is selected from among fourth-year medical students previously recognized by NMF.

There is no open application for this Scholarship. Recipient is selected internally.

Zimmer Biomet/NMF Orthopaedic Scholarship

Established in 2018 in partnership with Zimmer Biomet, this award seeks to address the national shortage of Hispanic and Latino representation in the field of Orthopaedic Surgery. NMF will provide five (5) scholarships of $5,000 each to 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year Hispanic or Latino medical students, who have a demonstrated interest in Orthopaedics and leadership at an early stage in their professional careers. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited US medical program.

The application will open on August 17, 2020. Applications are due at 11:59pm on October 12, 2020. To start your application, you must first complete the eligibility form by clicking here.

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