Ohio Academy of Family Physicians medical student member Elana Curry has been named by the Pisacano Leadership Foundation Inc. (PLF) as recipient of a 2019 Pisacano Scholarship. Ms. Curry, from Shaker Heights, OH, is a fourth-year medical student at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine.
A member of the OAFP Public Policy Committee, Ms. Curry also served two terms as the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Student Representative to the American Medical Association (AMA). Just last week, the OAFP supported her nomination as student member of the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science. While president of OSU’s Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG), Ms. Curry and her peers provided students with extensive programming, volunteer opportunities, and shadowing experiences that enabled classmates to explore the specialty of family medicine. During her time as FMIG president, the organization was awarded the FMIG Program of Excellence Award by the AAFP.
Five scholarships, valued up to $28,000 each, were awarded to Pisacano Scholars attending U.S. medical schools who demonstrate a strong commitment to the specialty of family medicine. Since 1993, the PLF has selected 151 outstanding medical students. Approximately 2,750 applicants representing more than 140 medical schools competed for these scholarships.
The PLF was created in 1990 by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) in tribute to the founder and first executive director of the ABFM, Nicholas J. Pisacano, MD (1924-90). Dr. Pisacano is acknowledged around the world as one of the leaders in the effort to recognize family medicine as a major specialty. His perseverance was finally rewarded in 1969 when the ABFM was designated as the sole agency responsible for the certification and recertification of family physicians. The ABFM continues to serve this role and is considered a leader in assuring primary care to all Americans.
Congratulations, Elana!!