Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship

The Schwirck Fellowship was established in memory of Scott Neil Schwirck by his family and friends. Scott, a member of the Class of 1993, had an enthusiasm for science that was acknowledged by his receiving several student research distinctions, including the Holderness Medical Fellowship, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-National Institutes of Health Research Scholars grant, and membership in the John B. Graham Medical Student Research Society. Scott’s classmates honored his good character by selecting him to receive the William deB. MacNider Award posthumously.

The Schwirck Fellowship recognizes students who demonstrate the qualities that Scott possessed: curiosity, intellectual vigor, enthusiasm for science and research and, above all, a desire to help others. A prize of $2,500 will be awarded to support the research efforts of a medical student.

A medical school faculty committee, composed of four to five members of the medical school faculty representing the basic science and clinical areas, selects the recipient of the fellowship. The fellowship is presented at the annual Student Research Day Banquet.

The Schwirck application opens each year in early September, and closes in late September.  All classes are notified via an email from Staff Writer Maureen Rosen (Maureen_rosen@med.unc.edu).  Application to the Schwirck Fellowship requires timely submission of the following information:

1. A detailed description of the proposed research project that outlines the following
   the purpose;
   the background and significance;
   the expected beginning date and date of completion.
2. A letter from the research preceptor indicating the preceptor’s support and willingness to assist in arranging the proposed research experience.
3. A copy of your CV

Recipients of the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research must complete their research before receiving the M.D. degree. Students who have received a Ph.D. degree may not apply.  Applicants must be currently enrolled in medical school.

Please note: recipients must agree to submit a written report of their research experiences to the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research Committee. If needed, a stop may be placed on the recipient’s records pending receipt of this report.

Recipients of the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research are eligible to receive other awards or funding concurrent with this fellowship. The recipient may receive elective credit for the research, provided that the student has taken the necessary steps to qualify for academic credit.

If you have further questions, contact Maureen Rosen at Maureen_rosen@med.unc.edu.