Medical students earn scholarships and grants from American Osteopathic Foundation

Several second- and third-year medical students from LECOM Erie and LECOM Bradenton recently received grants and awards from the American Osteopathic Foundation.

LECOM Erie second-year medical student Craig Van Tassel and LECOM Bradenton second-year student Michael Groover received the American Osteopathic Foundation Russell McCaughan, D.O., Award. The award, which includes a $400 grant, was established in 1956 by Russell C. McCaughan, D.O., to provide one education scholarship to second-year students from each college/school of osteopathic medicine. This scholarship recognizes students who excel academically and display a strong interest in osteopathic principals and philosophy during their first year as an osteopathic medical student.

Third-year LECOM Erie medical students Igor Tatarintsev and Kevin Dabundo and third-year LECOM Bradenton students Kyle Stephenson and Faizul Hussain each received AOF Welch Scholars Grants, which provide $2,000 to second-, third-, or fourth-year osteopathic medical students from each American Osteopathic Association accredited college of osteopathic medicine. Recipients must be committed to osteopathic medicine, excel academically, and have demonstrated financial need.

In addition to the Welch Scholars Grant, LECOM Erie second-year medical student Kimberly Hoenecke also received two LECOM awards: the LECOM Academic Excellence Scholarship and the LECOM Merit Scholarship.

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above, demonstrate a commitment to LECOM, the osteopathic profession or pharmacy profession, and service to the community. LECOM Merit Scholarships are awarded to incoming students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement based on MCAT or PCAT scores and grade-point average. The Merit Scholarships are renewable yearly if the student maintains a GPA of 3.5 or above.