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Outside Scholarships

*All information provided is subject to change or revision. Before applying, please take the time to verify guidelines and due dates. If you receive an outside scholarship, you are obligated to disclose this information to the Associate Director of Financial Aid in the University of South Alabama College of Medicine as soon as possible.

  • The Medical Student Training and Aging Research (MSTAR) Program
    • The MSTAR Program provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging- related research and geriatrics, with the mentorship of top experts in the field. This program introduces students to research and academic experiences early in their training that they might not otherwise have during medical school. Positive experiences in the
      MSTAR program have led many physicians-in-training to pursue academic careers in aging, ranging from basic science to clinical research to health services research. They have joined the growing cadre of physicians and scientists whose specialized knowledge
      and skills are in great demand as our population ages.
    • Students participate in an eight- to twelve-week (or 2-3 months, depending on the training site) structured research, clinical, and didactic program in geriatrics, appropriate to their level of training and interests. Research projects are offered in basic, translational, clinical, or health services research relevant to older people. Most scholars will do their training and research during the summer months.
    • General Eligibility
      • Any allopathic or osteopathic medical student in good standing, who will have successfully completed one year of medical school at a U.S. institution by June 2019. Evidence of good standing must be provided by the medical school registrar or dean when the student is notified of receiving the award.
      • Applicants must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or some other legal verification of such status.) Individuals on temporary or student visas are not
        eligible. Due to NIA restrictions, individuals holding PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degrees in the health sciences are not eligible to apply to do the MSTAR Program.
      • The NIA and other sponsoring organizations have a strong interest in continuing to diversify the research workforce committed to advancing the fields of aging and geriatrics research. Therefore, students who are members of ethnic or racial groups underrepresented in these fields, students with disabilities, or students whose background and experience are likely to diversify the research or medical questions being addressed, are encouraged to apply.
      • Additionally, applicants receiving a stipend or salary support from a federal source are not eligible for this program. Applicants may not hold another award or participate in another program concurrently with the MSTAR program, and must participate in the program full-time for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks.
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants may apply during 1st year of study or later
    • Award Amount - stipend is approximately $1,980 per month (will vary)
    • Contact
  • AHA Scientific Council Student Scholarships
    • The scientific councils of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) want to stimulate interest, knowledge and investigative work in students in medicine, nursing, public health, nutrition and other allied health disciplines. AHA
      Student Scholarships support students conducting research projects related to cardiovascular disease, stroke and basic sciences early during pre-doctoral training, usually during the summer. AHA scholarships provide valuable stipends for students during the research project. The scholarship stipends may be used for student expenses, lab fees, or other costs incurred by the student during the project.
    • General Eligibility
      • Eligible applicants include students in medical schools or in master's or equivalent programs in an accredited school in the United States where research training in cardiovascular disease and stroke is available.
      • PhDs and current MD/PhD students in the basic sciences committed to research careers are ineligible unless the PhD was obtained previously in an area not related to the one in the proposed study.
      • Each applicant and applicant's preceptor must be members of the AHA/ASA at the time of application.
      • The awards will be made to institutions within the United States in which the research training is available to students under qualified supervision. If the student conducts the research at a location other than his/her home institution, he/she must have written approval of his/her dean or other responsible individual.
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – must be enrolled full time
    • Award Amount - $1,500 - $2,000
    • Contact
  • AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships
    • The Physicians of Tomorrow Awards provide financial assistance to medical students facing medical school debt. Since 1950, the Foundation has provided more than $60 million in financial aid to exceptional medical students across the nation.
    • General Eligibility
      • The Physicians of Tomorrow Awards reward medical students who meet the following criteria:
        • Applicants are medical students who are approaching their final year of medical school.
        • Each $10,000 scholarship is based on different eligibility requirements.
        • Each medical school is allowed 2 nominations per category. Each student can only be nominated under 1 category.
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants may apply for 4th year of study
    • Award Amount - $10,000
    • Contact
  • ASH HONORS (Hematology Opportunities for the Next Generation of Research Scientists) Award
    • The ASH HONORS Award contributes to the development of the next generation of hematologists by providing research funding for talented first-, second-, and third-year medical students as well as first- and second-year medical residents. Applicants may choose to conduct their research over a maximum of three months (during the summer) or over a span of three to 12 months.
    • In addition to a $5,000 stipend to support work on a hematology-related research project, program participants receive a $1,000 travel allowance each year for two years to attend the ASH annual meeting and are encouraged to continue research careers in hematology beyond medical school and residency. 
    • General Eligibility
      • If applying as a medical student, be actively enrolled in an MD program at an LCME accredited institution or in a DO program at an AOA COCA accredited institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico; or, if applying as a medical resident, be actively enrolled in an internal medicine, pathology, or pediatric residency program in the United States, Canada, or Mexico that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or Royal College Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
      • Have 12 continuous months left before completion of his/her medical degree.
      • Be working on a hematology project (e.g., adult hematology, pediatric hematology/oncology, hematopathology, blood banking/transfusion medicine) in either laboratory research or clinical investigation.
      • Have a research mentor at the institution where the research is being performed who is an ASH member in good standing. The mentor may be at the applicant’s home institution or from a different institution. The research mentor will assist in completing the program application, oversee the award recipient’s work, aid the recipient in his/her research, and ensure that the recipient meets all deadlines.
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants must be enrolled in medical school
    • Award Amount - $5,000 stipend
    • Contact
  • ASH MMSAP (Minority Medical Student Award Program)
    • The ASH Minority Medical Student Award Program (MMSAP) provides underrepresented minority medical students with an opportunity to conduct a research project under the supervision of an ASH member, receive guidance from a career-development mentor, gain valuable knowledge of hematology, and ultimately, advance their careers. As part of the ASH Minority Recruitment Initiative, the MMSAP aims to expand the program’s reach to the next generation of hematologists.
    • Applicants must have a research mentor who is an ASH member in good standing and may choose from one of three project options with varying program benefits. The summer project option requires an eight- to 12-week commitment; the flexible project requires a commitment of approximately 320 to 480 hours over the course of a year; and the yearlong project requires participants to take a year off from school to engage in research full-time. 
    • General Eligibility
      • Identify as a minority; applicants are asked to self-identify, and participants for the MMSAP are drawn from this pool. For the purposes of this program, minority is defined as a group of people from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health-related sciences in the United States and Canada. This includes American Indians or Alaska Natives, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, African Canadians, Inuit, and First Nation Peoples.
      • Be enrolled in a MD, DO, or MD-PhD medical school program.
      • If applying for a summer project, be within his/her first or second year of medical school; or, if applying for a flexible or yearlong project, be within his/her first, second, or third year of medical school.
      • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada, and plan to conduct his/her research project in the contiguous United States or Canada.
      • Have a research mentor who is an ASH member in good standing. To request assistance in identifying a research mentor, please submit a Request a Mentor form in the online awards system by the November 15 deadline.
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants must be enrolled in medical school
    • Award Amount - $5,000 stipend
    • Contact
  • Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships
    • These awards consist of five scholarships given to outstanding students entering their third year of medical school who have shown leadership in efforts to eliminate inequities in medical education and health care and demonstrated leadership efforts in addressing educational, societal, and health care needs of minorities in the United States. Each recipient receives a $5,000 scholarship in November of the year the scholarships are awarded. 
    • General Eligibility
      • A medical school may nominate one student per year for this award. A candidate must be:
        • A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status
        • Entering the third year of study in a LCME-accredited U.S. medical school in fall 2019 
        • Students enrolled in combined degree programs (such as MD/PhD) are eligible when they are entering their third year of medical school. 
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants must be nominated in their 3rd year of study
    • Award Amount - $5,000
    • Contact
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Scholarship
    • The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield offers scholarships to M3s and M4s who are devoted to the primary care discipline and working in underserved, rural communities in Alabama. These scholarships would be $30,000 each year for the last two years of medical school.
    • General Eligibility
      • Before you consider pursuing a scholarship through the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield, please see the below program requirements and obligations:
      • Match in a designated primary care residency in the fields of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OBGYN, Pediatrics, or Psychiatry. 
      • Graduate from the USA College of Medicine.
      • Notify USA College of Medicine and the Blue Cross Scholarship Governance Committee of any changes in enrollment status at USA College of Medicine or training status in residency, such as leave of absence, delays in graduation or completion of residency, withdrawal or dismissal from USA College of Medicine or residency.
      • Maintain good academic standing for the remainder of USA College of Medicine enrollment.
      • Upon graduation and completion of residency training, the recipient shall provide primary care services at an approved site in one of Alabama's underserved counties or an Alabama city with fewer than 50,000 residents as of the most recent census, for a minimum of three years.
      • If a recipient does not abide by the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield requirements, the recipient will repay all funds 
    • Email - sroote@southalabama.edu
  • U.S. Air Force - Health Professions Scholarship Program
    • The Air Force offers scholarships for healthcare professionals to include: one- and two-year for Allied Health specialties (Pharmacists, Optometrists, Clinical Psychologists and Public Health Officers), two- and three-year for Nurse Corps specialties and three- and four-year for Medical Corps and Dental Corps. This scholarship covers all tuition and required fees, including textbooks, small equipment items and supplies needed for study. You will also receive a monthly allowance for living expenses. While on scholarship, you will spend 45 days on active duty in the Air Force, and once you graduate, you will serve active duty (one year for each year of scholarship, with a minimum of three years).
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants may be incoming or in medical school
    • Award Amount - tuition, fees, books, equipment, and stipend
    • Contact
  • U.S. Army - F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program for Medicine
    • The program permits selected students to be commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army Reserve while they are completing professional schooling. The program pays for tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses necessary to complete school. Also, students will receive a monthly stipend of over a $1,279, for ten and one-half months each year. For the remaining one and one- half months, students will receive full pay and allowances as a second lieutenant and will be afforded the opportunity to work at one of the Army's major medical centers. Upon completion of school, students will be advanced to the rank of Captain. Medical students continue their training by completion of a residency program. 
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants may be incoming or in medical school
    • Award Amount - tuition, fees, books, equipment, and stipend
    • Contact
  • U.S. Navy - Health Professions Scholarship Program
    • The program pays for tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses necessary to complete school. Also, students will receive a monthly stipend for ten and one-half months each year. For each year of support, the Navy requires a 45- day Active Duty for Training period with pay and allowances while in school. Scholarship recipients must agree to one year of active duty service for each year of support. The minimum service obligation after graduation is three years.
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants may be incoming or in medical school
    • Award Amount - tuition, fees, books, equipment, and stipend
    • Contact
  • Indian Health Service Scholarship Program - Health Professions Scholarship
    • American Indian and Alaskan Native students from federally-recognized tribes are eligible to apply for aid. Indian preference applies. Proof of Indian heritage required. 
    • Recipients of scholarship support must apply annually to continue funding beyond the initial award period. Students who meet the continued eligibility requirements and have been recommended for continuation will be given priority consideration for additional periods of scholarship support. Health Professions scholarship support is available for a maximum of four years.
    • General Eligibility
      • Citizenship Requirements 
        • You must be a United States citizen (US-born or naturalized) or US national to be considered for an IHS scholarship 
        • Males 18 years or older must be registered for Selective Service
        • Documents that will be accepted as proof of citizenship include*: 
          • Copy of your birth certificate 
          • Current US passport 
          • Certificate of citizenship or naturalization (* A copy of a driver’s license or a social security card will not be accepted as documentation of citizenship) 
      • Tribal/Village Membership Requirements 
        • Recipients must be a member of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native village only
      • Academic Requirement 
        • Applicants must also meet specific eligibility requirements: 
          • Be a high school graduate or the equivalent 
          • Have a minimum 2.0 GPA 
          • Be capable of completing a health profession degree program 
          • Intend to serve Indian people as a health professional in your chosen discipline
      • Program Agreement/Contract
        • Be willing to sign an IHS Scholarship Program Contract agreeing to a minimum two-year service commitment to practice at an Indian health facility upon completion of your academic and/or post-graduate training
    • Medicine (M.D.)  – applicants may apply for during 1st year of study or later
    • Award Amount - amount varies
    • Contact
  • Student Research Award (2020)
    • The Foundation for Women’s Wellness supports biomedical research to further knowledge about women’s health in general, and on gender differences. Our research efforts include funding short-term, small-scale research studies that hold promise to provide new information and catalyze larger scale investigations funded by the federal government. FWW also initiates an award to future physician-scientists working in women’s health.
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants may apply for during 1st year of study or later
    • Award Amount - $25,000 for research purposes
    • Contact
  • Oliver Goldsmith, M.D. Scholarship
    • Kaiser Permanente encourages diversity in the medical profession throughout our programs and practices. We plant seeds for future physicians by nurturing students who are committed to providing culturally responsive care. The annual Goldsmith awards help build healthy communities by granting third- or fourth-year medical students a $5,000 scholarship to help complete their studies. The scholarships are named for Oliver Goldsmith, MD, retired medical director, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and champion of culturally
      responsive care.
    • General Eligibility
      • Are a student in good standing entering your third or fourth year of medical school
      • Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of culturally and/or linguistically responsive care or diversity through leadership, research or community involvement.
      • Intend to practice medicine in Southern California
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants must in their 3rd or 4th year of study
    • Award Amount - $5,000
    • Contact
  • Fellowship Program
    • Since the inception of Mortar Board’s fellowship program in 1941, more than $750,000 has been given to deserving members of Mortar Board pursuing postgraduate degrees. The program started with two awards of $500 and has grown to several awards of between $3,000 and $5,000 each. A member of any age may apply for a Mortar Board Fellowship for post-baccalaureate degree study in any field. The Mortar Board Fellowship Selection Committee endeavors to provide for a streamlined, yet thought-provoking application process that allows each applicant to showcase her/his accomplishments and plans. The Ideals of Mortar Board are considered: robust scholarship that is competitive nationwide, meaningful leadership, and dedication to service to one’s alma mater. These fellowships are awarded annually.
    • General Eligibility
      • Must be a current or former member of Mortar Board
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants may be incoming or in medical school
    • Award Amount - $3,000 - $5,000
    • Contact
  • General Scholarships and Awards
    • These awards are offered primarily to first- and second-year medical students, although a few selected programs are open to third-year students. A rigorous application process ensures that assistance is provided to students with the greatest documented need. Scholarships are granted on the basis of financial need as determined by the student's total resources (including parental and spousal support), cost of education, and receipt of other scholarships and grants.
    • General Eligibility
      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
        (DACA) approval letter
      • Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school
      • Exception for CVS Health/NMF PharmD Scholarship where
        applicant must be enrolled in accredited pharmacy doctoral
        school
      • Underrepresented minority student
      • NMF designates the following racial/ethnic groups as underrepresented minorities: African American, 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
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants must be entering their 1st or 2nd year of study
    • Award Amount - $500 - $10,000
    • Contact
  • NMF Primary Care Leadership Program
    • In order to increase access to primary care for the underserved, the GE
      Foundation and National Medical Fellowships founded the Primary Care
      Leadership Program (PCLP) in 2012. Now entering its eighth year, PCLP provides future healthcare professionals with an opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of primary care practice in community health centers (CHCs) across the US. This program is open to medical students and graduate-level nursing and physician assistant students who are poised to become leaders in primary care.
    • PCLP Site Partners will be located in Boston and the Gateway
      Cities, MA and Los Angeles, CA. PCLP Scholars are placed with Site Partner CHCs, where they actively engage in leadership training, team-based project activities, and healthcare service delivery. Scholars will each receive a $5,000 scholarship stipend that is expected to cover travel, living, and lodging expenses during the service-learning experience period.
    • General Eligibility
      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval letter
      • Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school
      • Underrepresented minority student
        • NMF designates the following racial/ethnic groups as
          underrepresented minorities: African American,
          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
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants must be entering their 1st or 2nd year of study
    • Award Amount - stipend of $5,000
    • Contact
  • United Health Foundation/NMF Diverse Medical Scholars Program
    • Established in 2013, the United Health Foundation (UHF) has partnered with National Medical Fellowships (NMF) to offer the Diverse Medical Scholars Program. This is a service-learning program designed to increase the number of qualified medical providers who have a commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in medically underserved communities. This program is a renewal scholarship that provides a $7,000 award to thirty-two (32) qualified medical students. All
      Scholars are required to complete a 200-hour self-directed community health project at the community site of their choice. Selected Scholars will be enrolled in a medical school located in the U.S., be a member of an underrepresented minority group, and have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to underserved communities.
    • General Eligibility
      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
        (DACA) approval letter
      • Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school
      • Underrepresented minority student
        • NMF designates the following racial/ethnic groups as
          underrepresented minorities: African American,
          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
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants must be entering their 1st or 2nd year of study
    • Award Amount - $7,000
      • Deadlines vary by scholarship
    • Contact
  • Health Education Impact Scholarship
    • Osmosis is pleased to announce the Health Education Impact Scholarship. This scholarship signifies Osmosis’s support of education in the health sciences and is meant to recognize the importance of pursuing the best education possible. The program is designed to help recognize the contributions and importance of proper preparation and training in pursuit of a health education career.
    • General Eligibility
      • The scholarship is aimed at students who are working towards one of the following degrees, including: incoming premed, MD, DO, PA, BSN, RN, or NP. Students should have at least one academic year remaining in their studies. The scholarship is offered to US citizens attending an accredited medical or health program in the US. One person can send only one entry. The scholarship is not available to employees or contractors of Osmosis or their immediate family members. Applicants must complete all steps of the application process to be considered.
        • A note on eligibility and why this is only open to US students: Osmosis is a US-based organization. There are fewer legal barriers when offering scholarships or giveaways in an organization’s home country. Opening this scholarship up internationally means navigating international laws that differ hugely from country to country.
          Currently, the Osmosis legal team isn't equipped to take on this challenge. We're hoping that, as Osmosis grows, we'll be able to provide opportunities like the Osmosis Health Education Impact Scholarship to international audiences in the future.
    • Award Amount - One $5,000 award and five $1,000 awards
    • Contact
  • Pisacano Scholars Leadership Program
    • The Pisacano Scholars Leadership Program provides educational programs, leadership training, and funding for outstanding fourth-year medical students for a four-year period. Students must make a commitment to the specialty of family medicine. The funding program is designed to reimburse a portion of medical school debt incurred by the student by the conclusion of the required three-year residency. The Foundation is especially interested in students who exhibit the highest levels of skill, compassion, and leadership. A firm and continuing commitment to the specialty of family medicine is an essential
      precedent for any applicant to receive a Pisacano Scholarship.
    • General Eligibility
      • Only applicants who will be entering their fourth
        year (full-time) in a U.S. medical school will be considered. Applicants must have declared family medicine as their specialty. Applicants will be judged on commitment to family medicine, leadership qualities, academic performance, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and involvement in serving others. The Foundation Board requires each applicant to complete an interview with a local family physician.
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants must be entering their 4th year of study
    • Award Amount - up to $28,000
    • Contact
  • Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for Graduate Students
    • Our Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for Graduate Students supports our mission of helping people get the education they need to do the things they want in life.
    • General Eligibility
      • Just answer two questions and enter to win.
    • Medicine (M.D.) – Current or upcoming graduate students
    • Award Amount - $20,000
    • Contact
  • Tylenol® Future Care Scholarship
    • Each year the makers of TYLENOL® award annual scholarships to well deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare. Twenty-three years and over eight million dollars later, we’re proud to continue a tradition that supports those dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others.
    • General Eligibility
      • Provide proof of enrollment to a graduate program in health education, medical school, public health, nursing, and/or pharmacy degree program.
      • Must have one or more years of school remaining
      • Scholarships will be awarded to students and practitioners who are seeking a degree to actively treat patients.
    • Medicine (M.D.) – applicants may be incoming or in medical school
    • Award Amount - $5,000 - $10,000
    • Contact
      ■ Scholarship information
      ■ Website