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UNC School of Medicine | MD Program

Current Student Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships awarded as part of the admissions financial package offers, throughout the degree program other opportunities for scholarships may arise for students interested in specific specialty areas of medicine. Students are notified of these scholarship opportunities and their eligibility criteria when applications open. These opportunities range include scholarships, grants, awards, contests, and other opportunities. There are also Service Programs that offer scholarships in return for working in designated areas after residency. Active Scholarship opportunities will be included on this page! For any questions regarding scholarships or the opportunities below, please contact the Assistant Director of Scholarships and Awards, Brandon Woodmancy, at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu.

 

The Patient Voice in Family Medicine Scholarship was created in 2024 to support students entering the field of Family Medicine and who have a passion for creating a safe and welcoming environment for the patient experience.

Applicants must be current MS4s who are set to graduate in 2027 and planning to enter Family Medicine. To apply, you should submit the following to Brandon Woodmancy by the end of day, Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu:

  • A completed CV
  • A Letter of Recommendation from a Family Medicine Physician/Faculty
  • A 1-page response to the following question:
    • Give us an example of a patient interaction that shapes your view on medicine?
  • Additionally affirm that you understand the review process and release the application material and all relevant information to the review committee by including the following statement in your email: “I understand that the Office of Medical Student Education and the review committee is involved in a holistic review of applications including professionalism, academics, and being a good member of the UNC community”
Up to three recipients will be selected from the applicants. Scholarship amount is being finalized and more information on that will be announced later.

Please direct all questions to Brandon Woodmancy at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu.

The scholarship is funded through a generous gift from Pamela Davis Leight (daughter of Dr. Davis) and George Staples Leight, Jr., M.D.  The recipient will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship towards tuition. If the student’s tuition has already been covered, the student may use the scholarship money for room and board or other living expenses.
 
Eligible Applicants:
UNC medical students who anticipate graduation within the next year and who intend to specialize in pediatrics or medicine/pediatrics are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Selection Criteria:
The medical student selected as the Davis Pediatric Scholar will be one who demonstrates a scholarly approach to pediatric medicine; an exemplary sensitivity, concern and care for children of all backgrounds; a special talent for putting patients and parents at ease; a willingness to both listen and provide clear explanations; a recognizable ability to gain the trust of patients, families, and other medical providers; high moral standards and ethical values; and a passion for enhancing the well-being of children everywhere.
How to Apply
Please submit your application by Sunday, August 2nd.  Please submit the forms and responses listed below electronically to me at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu.  I will send a confirmation email upon receiving all listed material!
Applicants must submit:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement that answers one of the following questions
    • Describe an experience with a patient or patient’s family member which made an impact on you.
    • Describe a life experience that you’ve had which influences the way you approach pediatric medicine.
  • Letter of recommendation from a pediatric faculty member who supervised the student during a pediatric clinical rotation.  This faculty member does not have to be at UNC.
  • Transcripts of pre-clinical grades and third year clerkships
Please Note:
  • The award will be presented by Dr. Alison Kavanaugh at the fall State of the Department Pediatrics Grand Rounds.
Please feel free to email me at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu or review the website here, if you have any further questions about the application or interview

J. Rush Shull Scholarship – An MS4 scholarships for students who place in a primary care specialty in North Carolina

Paul A. Godley Fellowship – An MS1 Fellowship where two students will complete a summer project with the Ackerland Museum around art and medicine

Scott Neil Schwirck Research Fellowship – Open to students in any year who are participating in a research project for the academic year

Loyalty Fund Scholarship – Open to any student returning next year. Our biggest scholarship opportunity for current students.

Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship – An MS1 Scholarship for students with a background in a fine arts. External scholarship where UNC will nominate one student!

Deborah C. Leary Award – An award to recognize an accepted research paper for a graduating student

Howard Holderness – For rising MS4s who intend to take a research year before beginning their last year.

Dr. Joseph Bell – For students interested in providing medical care to Native Communities

– Pisacano Fellowship- An MS3 fellowship run by an national organization for people going into Family Medicine – https://pisacano.org/ Due in May
– Dr. Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest – An essay contest focused on the humanism involved in healthcare – gold-foundation.org/programs/essay-contest/ Due in March
– NC Diversity & Equity in Emergency Medicine Scholarship – A second year scholarship opportunity sponsored by Wake Emergency Physicians, PA in the triangle community – NC Diversity & Equity in Emergency Medicine Scholarship | Triangle Community Foundation Due in March