IMSMP Reflections on Current Events

Featured as a news item post on June 5, 2020:  https://www.imsmp.org/content/imsmp-reflections-current-events

The brutal killing last week of George Floyd has shifted our attention from coronavirus, towards something deeply troubling; the long-standing inequities suffered by African Americans in our society.  This systemic racism has been going on unabated for centuries and while we hope that racial injustice will come to an end, the recent string of horrific and senseless murders leads us to despair. 

We at IMSMP are a diverse and inclusive community, whose only concern is to provide the best healthcare to all patients irrespective of our or their color.  However, recent events have brought a sense of collective guilt and shame that we belong to a society that allows these transgressions to occur over and over again. As fellow citizens, we have failed.  

How can we change?  We can publicize our institutional policy on race relations as many organizations are doing but we know that actions speak louder than words.  

On a deeply personal note, as a man from Kenya coming to this land of opportunity, I was fortunate to be afforded the best antidote for discrimination.  A quality education.  It is my sincere belief that the best education is a crucial building block to overcome poverty and discrimination.  An educated mind brings forth meaningful and success-laden opportunities which unlock futures that may not have been possible.  

Therefore, at IMSMP we are setting up the “IMSMP Equality Empowerment Fund”  for deserving and motivated students who, but for financial reasons, do not have access to the right opportunities. It is our hope that this will enable them to develop critical research skills to complement their college or high school education and ultimately enhance their admission to medical school.  If we can help one underprivileged student a year with funding it may be like a drop in the ocean.  However, we hope that others will follow, not just with statements of outrage, but with positive actions.   

Faith, compassion, goodwill, and kindness are the keys to IMSMP’s healthcare approach.  The same principles will eventually bring about true justice and equality for African Americans. In setting up this scholarship, we are taking a stand and action for change to honor the memories of those who have lost their lives at the hands of racism.  

Rest in peace George Floyd and all who came before you. 

IMSMP Equality Empowerment Fund (IEEF)

Purpose

The IMSMP Equality Empowerment Fund has been created for deserving and motivated students who, but for financial reasons, do not have access to the right opportunities. There is a crucial need for financial support among students in certain socioeconomic situations. The goal of the program is to financially assist these underserved individuals, interested in the areas of science and/or medicine, to advance their education and support a medical or clinical research career path.

History

Dr. Saud A. Sadiq, a native of Kenya, is a board-certified neurologist who completed medical school at the University of Nairobi and residency training in Internal Medicine in Kenya and in England. He then completed a residency in neurology at the University of Texas and went on to dedicate his career to the best possible research, treatment, and care for people with multiple sclerosis.  It is his sincere belief that the best education is a crucial building block to overcome poverty and discrimination. In fostering education, we hope to create meaningful and success-laden opportunities to unlock futures that may not have otherwise been possible.

We at IMSMP are a diverse and inclusive community, whose only concern is to provide the best healthcare to all people irrespective of our or their background. Faith, compassion, goodwill, and kindness are the keys to IMSMP’s healthcare approach. The same principles will eventually bring about true justice and equality for those who have faced adversity because of their skin color.

Dr. Sadiq created this scholarship fund to bring about change for those who are faced with perpetual prejudice and bigotry and to honor those who have lost their lives at the hands of racism.

Opportunity & Requirements

Medical/Graduate School Assistance Program

The objective of the IEEF is to award a scholarship to a qualified and exemplary individual seeking entry to medical or graduate school to become a physician or career scientist. The scholarship award will be up to $65,000 total that will be divided among 3 qualified candidates per year to cover the costs of tuition and is renewable for up to 4 years based on good standing.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be accepted to an allopathic medical program at an accredited US-based university;
• Have a GPA of at least 3.2 or better;
• Has a documented financial need, based on FAFSA or other financial information, such as tax returns, prior Pell Grant eligibility or AAMC waiver.

Application Requirements

• Resume;
• Most recent official college transcript;
• A copy of standardized test scores (MCAT, GRE, GMAT);
• Personal statement;
• An essay describing how this scholarship would impact your future;
• Proof of enrollment into accredited medical/graduate school from registrar;
• Three letters of references (at least one academic)
• Financial award package from the school financial aid office;
• Tuition invoice from the school Bursar's office

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Selection will be based on submitted documents and an in-person interview.

At this time, the IMSMP has partnered with MENTORING IN MEDICINE to assist with the application and candidate selection process.

In addition, the scholarship is currently secured for the academic years from 2021 - 2025.

For more information, please contact: 

Lynne Holden, MD

Phone: (347) 815-0738

E-mail: info@medicalmentor.org (please write IEEF Scholarship in the subject)