Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society

History of the Award

**Origin and dedication**
The scholarship was created to honor Scott A. Gunder, MD, a Harrisburg gastroenterologist and the 125th president of the Dauphin County Medical Society (DCMS). Dr. Gunder died at age 39 of cancer; colleagues and family established the fund to preserve his legacy of compassion and service. In October 2000 the DCMS established the Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship Fund within The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. The fund also serves as a way for the DCMS to recognize presidents who devote time to improving the society.

Key takeaways
- Established October 2000 in memory of Dr. Scott A. Gunder.
- Created by the Dauphin County Medical Society and housed in the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
- Honors Dr. Gunder’s character and service to the medical community.

Description

**Purpose and intent**
The scholarship exists to support and encourage future physicians while perpetuating Dr. Gunder’s compassionate approach to medicine. It is an annual award intended to recognize a deserving medical student whose values and promise reflect the spirit of the honoree. The fund links community service, medical education, and the DCMS’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of physicians.

Key takeaways
- Annual scholarship to support future physicians.
- Designed to reflect Dr. Gunder’s compassionate spirit.
- Connects medical education with DCMS community values.

Eligibility

**Who may apply**
Applicants must meet specific citizenship, residency, enrollment, and association requirements to be considered for the scholarship. Only U.S. citizens who have been bona fide Pennsylvania residents for at least 12 months prior to registering as medical students (excluding time spent attending undergraduate/graduate school in Pennsylvania) are eligible. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at Penn State College of Medicine and be in their second year of medical school; membership in the Pennsylvania Medical Society and a county medical society is also required.

Key takeaways
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Pennsylvania residency of at least 12 months before medical school registration (undergrad/grad time in PA excluded).
- Must be a full-time, second-year student at Penn State College of Medicine.
- Membership in Pennsylvania Medical Society and a county medical society required.

Award Value

**Amount and frequency**
The scholarship provides a single annual monetary award intended to assist with the costs of medical education. The current award amount is $5,200 and is distributed to one recipient each year. This single award is intended as direct financial support to a selected student.

Key takeaways
- One scholarship awarded annually.
- Current award amount: $5,200.
- Funds intended to offset medical education costs for the recipient.

Application Requirements

**Materials to submit via the Scholarship Application Portal**
All application materials must be submitted through the Scholarship Application Portal. Required materials are: a completed scholarship application form; two reference letters from non-family members that document the applicant’s integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a physician; a letter on Penn State College of Medicine letterhead verifying full-time enrollment and second‑year status; and an essay (750 words or less) describing the person or event that inspired the applicant to become a physician and how the applicant sees themselves leading others into medicine.

Key takeaways
- Submit all materials through the Scholarship Application Portal.
- Required: completed application, two non-family reference letters, enrollment verification on school letterhead, and a ≤750-word essay.
- References should address integrity, interpersonal skills, and future potential.

Application Timeline

**When to apply**
Online applications open annually on July 1. Applicants should consult the Scholarship Application Portal for any additional deadlines, submission windows, or updates for the current award cycle. Allow sufficient time to request reference letters and institutional verification.

Key takeaways
- Online applications open July 1 each year.
- Check the Scholarship Application Portal for current cycle dates and deadlines.
- Start early to secure references and enrollment verification.

Selection Process

**Review and decision**
The scholarship selection is made annually based on the submitted application materials; the specific reviewing body is managed through the fund’s administering organization. A personal interview is not required but may be requested during the review process. Final award decisions are communicated after the review of completed applications and any requested follow-up.

Key takeaways
- Selection is based on submitted materials and administered by the scholarship’s governing body.
- Personal interviews are optional and may be requested.
- Decisions are announced following review and any follow-up steps.