The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2021 Foundation Healthcare Scholarship awards: Natalia Correa, Emily Gansert, Charissa Obeng-Nyarko, and Yordan Urrutia. Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
The final tally of 2021 scholarship awards given by the Foundation is now $32,500, which also includes the $12,500 award given to Alexzandra Mattia, recipient of the Foundation’s 2021 Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students, announced in July.
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 Foundation received scholarship applications this year from many remarkable healthcare students,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Foundation Chair. “We are very appreciative of the generous Foundation donors and sponsors who have given us the opportunity to provide financial aid to our future medical professionals.”
Ms. Correa is from Miami and a medical student at the Florida State University College of Medicine, class of 2023. “I am extremely honored to have been selected for the CCMS Foundation Scholarship this year. I am grateful for the Foundation’s assistance in alleviating the financial burden that medical school brings, but even more for believing in me as a future physician. The Foundation has not only impacted my life, but the lives of all my future patients.”
Ms. Gansert is from New Smyrna Beach and a medical student at the Florida State University College of Medicine, class of 2024. “This scholarship will allow me to achieve my goals and reduce the debt that I will acquire as I pursue my dream of becoming a patient-centered physician in my home state of Florida. I am honored and grateful to the Foundation for their support. Thank you for your generosity in selecting me as a recipient and thank you for believing in me!”
Ms. Obeng-Nyarko is from Lauderhill and a medical student at the Florida State University College of Medicine, class of 2024. “I am immensely honored to receive this award from the CCMS Foundation. This scholarship will be instrumental in reducing the financial burden of my medical education. Thank you all for believing in my dreams and empowering me to continue on my journey to becoming a compassionate physician-leader in my community.”
Mr. Urrutia, from Naples, is a medical student at the Florida State University College of Medicine, class of 2024. “As a first-generation Latino medical student, my passion for medicine is fueled by the ability to help improve patient health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. As I begin my second year of medical school, I am endlessly appreciative and motivated by the Foundation’s significant investment in my future.”
The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament on September 18, 2021 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 and promote health education. More information on supporting the Foundation and its scholarships is available at ccmsfoundation.org.