Awards support Florida residents who are pursuing careers in healthcarefccms-scholarshipwinners-photocollage-2016

Collier County, FL (July 7, 2016)—The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce the winners of their 2016 healthcare scholarship awards: Karisa Brown, Andrea Gamboa, and Ludonir Sebastiany.

The Foundation of CCMS healthcare scholarships are for students pursuing careers in healthcare, with awards based on need, academic performance, and community involvement. Ms. Brown received a $5,000 award, and Mr. Sebastiany and Ms. Gamboa each received a $2,500 award.

“Each year we are impressed by the quality of our healthcare scholarship applicants, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity to support our future medical professionals,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Foundation Chair. “Thank you to the many Foundation donors who helped make these scholarships possible.”

Ms. Brown is a Chokoloskee resident and Everglades City High School graduate enrolled as a second year medical student at the Florida State University College of Medicine. She holds leadership positions in the Pediatric Interest Group and the Christian Medical Association, and hopes to return to Collier County as a physician to educate patients on the importance of preventive care. Ms. Brown seeks to “inspire the children of my hometown to set goals and chase their dreams with an open heart.”

Ms. Gamboa is a Naples resident and recent graduate of Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and College, where she received her Licensed Practical Nursing training. She will continue her nursing education this year at Florida Gulf Coast University with the ultimate goal of attending medical school, to “focus part of my career in rural areas and low-income communities, much like my own, and make a difference.”

Mr. Sebastiany is a graduate of Southeast High School in Bradenton and is starting his third year of medical school at Florida State University, where he also received a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences. A former researcher and medical assistant, Mr. Sebastiany aims “to be on the frontlines battling the disparities in healthcare” and “bring aid to the underserved”.

Each spring, eligible Florida residents enrolled or accepted in a healthcare education program may apply for the Foundation of CCMS scholarships. 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. The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament on September 17, 2016, will help raise funds for its scholarship program and local healthcare programs in need. More information is available at www.ccmsfoundation.org and www.facebook.com/ccmsfoundation.