The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society is honored to announce the new name of their premier scholarship for future physicians: the “Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students”. This August, we were saddened to learn that Foundation supporter and colleague Nancy Lascheid, RN BSN, co-founder of the Neighborhood Health Clinic and CCMS Alliance Past President, had passed. Prior to her passing, Mrs. Lascheid had provided the Foundation her approval to enact the renaming of this award after she had left us.

In 2014, following the passing of Mrs. Lascheid’s husband and Neighborhood Health Clinic co-founder Dr. William Lascheid, the Foundation announced the formation of the “Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students” to honor and remember his many contributions to the medical community, including as a CCMS Past President, and his tireless efforts to provide care to the underserved in Collier County. Ms. Lascheid was an ardent supporter of the scholarship and participated on the application review committee through the 2022 award cycle.

“It is fitting that this award for medical students who have demonstrated excellence in service to their community now also remembers Nancy Lascheid,” commented Dr. Rolando Rivera, Foundation board chair. “Her dedication to providing ‘hope and healing for those in need,’ the Neighborhood Health Clinic’s mission, is an inspiration to us all.”

Dr. Lascheid and Mrs. Lascheid had long recognized the limited medical care available to low-income workers. Opening in 1999, the Neighborhood Health Clinic was the realization of this vision and has served as the medical home for thousands of uninsured low-income workers. Presently, some 250 physicians, 40 dentists, and 100 nurses volunteer their very valuable time and talent in the service of the Clinic’s patients.

“It is an honor to have my parents’ legacy memorialized through the Scholarship,” said Leslie Lascheid, CEO of the Clinic. “My parents’ healthcare careers gave them a unique opportunity to understand the demands on physicians in their educational pursuit, as well as a physicians’ ability to bring patient care to the highest level. We wish great success to all recipients of this memorial scholarship.”

Eligible Florida residents enrolled or accepted in medical school may apply for this scholarship. The application and requirements for the 2023 award, and the Foundation’s need-based scholarships for students training in any healthcare career, will be available online at ccmsfoundation.org in December 2022, or may be obtained by calling (239) 435-7727. To support the Foundation’s scholarship programs, donate at ccmsfoundation.org or call (239) 435-7727.