Investing in Future Physicians – Strengthening Communities
The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
~John Ruskin
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) continues to advance its mission of preparing physicians who will improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve through scholarship opportunities that foster both academic excellence and long-term service.
The LECOM Elmira campus is proud to announce the establishment of two distinguished scholarship opportunities designed to support future physicians who are committed to advancing healthcare and serving communities throughout New York State. Developed through the stalwart leadership and vision of Richard Terry, D.O., Vice President of Health Sciences and Dean of Academic Affairs – LECOM at Elmira, these initiatives reflect the College commitment to expanding access to medical education, fostering physician excellence, and strengthening the healthcare workforce in regions where dedicated, compassionate providers are needed most.
Established through the generosity of visionary partners, the Corning Incorporated Future Foundations Health Scholarship and the Qandah Family Medical School Scholarship exemplify a shared commitment to addressing physician workforce needs across New York State.
The Corning Incorporated Future Foundations Health Scholarship was established to cultivate the next generation of primary care physicians dedicated to serving the residents of Chemung and Steuben counties. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 annually for as many as four years to support tuition and mandatory fees, alleviating a significant portion of the financial investment associated with a medical education.
In addition to financial support, recipients complete their third- and fourth-year core clinical rotations through Arnot Health and/or Guthrie Health System, pursue residency training in an approved primary care discipline – including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Emergency Medicine – and commit to practicing in Chemung or Steuben County for a minimum of four years following the completion of their training.
LECOM is pleased to recognize Brooklyn Naylor and Beatriz Cayuela as the 2026 recipients of the Corning Incorporated Future Foundations Health Scholarship.
The Qandah Family Medical School Scholarship reflects a similar vision of service, supporting future physicians who aspire to strengthen healthcare throughout New York’s Mohawk Valley. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 annually for up to four years toward tuition and mandatory fees while encouraging graduates to establish their professional careers in a region where their expertise will have lasting impact.
Recipients complete their third- and fourth-year core clinical rotations at a LECOM clinical education site, pursue residency training in the specialty of their choice, and pledge to practice in the Mohawk Valley region for a minimum of four years following graduation.
LECOM proudly recognizes Luke Putelo as the 2026 recipient of the Qandah Family Medical School Scholarship.
“Scholarship is more than an investment in a student’s education, rather it is an investment in the future health and vitality of our communities,” noted Dean Richard Terry. “At LECOM Elmira, we are committed to supporting exceptional individuals who possess both the academic dedication and the passion for service necessary to become outstanding physicians. These scholarships represent a shared commitment among our institution, our partners, and our communities to cultivate the next generation of healthcare leaders who will make a lasting difference in the lives of the patients they serve,” the Dean concluded.
Through partnerships that unite philanthropy, education, and community engagement, these scholarship programs affirm a shared investment in the physicians of tomorrow while helping ensure that communities across New York will benefit from compassionate, highly skilled healthcare professionals for generations to come.
LECOM extends its sincere congratulations to Brooklyn Naylor, Beatriz Cayuela, and Luke Putelo on this well-deserved recognition. Their academic achievement, dedication to compassionate patient care, and commitment to serving communities in need exemplify the values that define the medical profession. The College is proud to celebrate these exceptional scholars and the lasting contributions they will make as physicians, leaders, and advocates for the health and well-being of future generations.