The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Foundation healthcare scholarship awards: Ahlam Abukhdeir, Joseph Burns, Efe Cudjoe, and Patricia Watford.
The Foundation of CCMS healthcare scholarships are for students who are Florida residents enrolled or accepted into a healthcare degree program, with awards based on need, academic performance, and community involvement. The scholarships are $5,000 each.
“We received nearly 40 healthcare scholarship applications this year, all impressive, dedicated students,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Foundation Chair. “We are fortunate to have this opportunity to support our future medical professionals, thanks to the many Foundation donors and sponsors who helped make it possible.”
Ahlam Abukhdeir is a student in the University of South Florida Physician Assistant Program, class of 2019. She received her diploma from Universal Academy of Florida in Tampa and her Bachelor of Science at USF. “I would sincerely like to thank FCCMS for this scholarship award,” said Ms. Abukhdeir. “I am truly honored and plan to utilize this award to excel further in my educational endeavors which will give me the conduit to succeed in my career.”
A class of 2019 medical student at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Joseph Burns is a Tavares High School and Stetson University graduate. “As the already substantial cost of higher education skyrockets, this scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies,” said Mr. Burns. “I am supremely thankful to the Foundation and the selection committee for empowering to me to achieve my career goals, here in my home of Florida.”
Efe Cudjoe is a Fort Myers High School and Brown University graduate in the class of 2020 at Florida State University College of Medicine. “Service and commitment towards others are key interlinings in the fabric of care,” said Ms. Cudjoe. “People are touched by sacrifice; especially when it is done with sincerity and integrity. The CCMS Foundation has made a meaningful impact on my life and I hope to do the same for my future patients.”
Patricia Watford is an Occupational Therapist at The Glenview at Pelican Bay studying for her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy online from Creighton University. “This award will allow me to complete my occupational therapy doctorate degree and continue to provide for my family in the future,” said Ms. Watford. “This degree will also assist me in providing an advanced level of care for my patients and prepare me to educate the next generation of occupational therapists.”
The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament on September 23, 2017 will help raise funds for its scholarship program and local healthcare programs in need. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization launched by the Collier County Medical Society in 2012, with the mission to provide support and leadership to programs that address access to healthcare, promote health education and serve the community’s public health needs. More information is available at www.ccmsfoundation.org.