The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce that Christy Taylor, MPH, CPH, a Miami resident in the class of 2020 at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, is the winner of their 2018 Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students.

The $12,500 award recognizes future physicians who are Florida residents and have demonstrated excellence in community service, in memory of Dr. Lascheid, co-founder of the charitable Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples and a Past President of the Medical Society. It is the fourth year the Foundation has provided this scholarship.

“A primary goal of our Foundation is to provide much-needed financial assistance to our community’s future medical professionals, and to recognize students who give back,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Foundation Chair. “Christy is a perfect example of Dr. Lascheid’s compassion and dedication to caring for the underserved, and we are honored to award her this scholarship.”

“The Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship clearly identifies my husband’s mission of providing quality medical care for low-income workers, who are in need,” said Nancy Lascheid, co-founder of the Neighborhood Health Clinic. “Congratulations to Christy, this year’s recipient, who illustrated in her application an understanding of need and compassion.”

Christy received her diploma from North Miami Beach Senior High and her Bachelor of Science and master’s in public health at University of Miami. Her community service activities have included volunteering with the Birmingham Free Clinic, Women’s Center Clinic, and Light of Life Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen in Pittsburgh, and with the American Heart Association. Her aspirations include practicing in a teaching hospital that provides care to vulnerable and underserved populations and contributing to diversity and inclusion in medicine.

“There are no words that can adequately describe how moved I am to be selected as the recipient of the Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship,” said Christy. “This award means so much to me as not only will it allow me to continue to pursue my medical education, it serves as a reminder that there is a whole community investing in my future with the belief that I am making a positive impact in the world. Your kindness motivates me even further to do all that I can to help those in need and give back to the community. Thank you to the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society in supporting me on my journey to become a physician.”

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 and promote health education. The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament on October 6, 2018, will help raise funds for its scholarship program and local healthcare programs in need. More information is available at ccmsfoundation.org and facebook.com/ccmsfoundation.