Medical School Scholarships
The Physicians Society of Central Florida (PSCF) Foundation has made significant contributions to the development of future physician leaders in our community by generously offering scholarships to medical students at the FSU College of Medicine, the UCF Medical School and Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Scholarships are awarded to candidates who possess a variety of qualities, characteristics, and achievements. We highly value candidates who are involved in organized medicine or have a strong interest in getting involved. We also prioritize candidates who come from a financial disadvantage and demonstrate a genuine passion for making a difference in the medical field. Additionally, we are impressed by candidates who have overcome challenges during their medical school journey.
In our selection process, we have prioritized students who exhibit financial need and maintain a commendable academic record. Additionally, we have requested applicants to compose a brief essay detailing the influence of their experiences in the Central Florida area on their medical education and subsequent career aspirations after completing medical school. Furthermore, we require a personal statement encompassing involvement in organized medicine, financial standing, proposed contributions to the medical field, and accomplishments in overcoming adversity during medical school.
The Physicians Society of Central Florida Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Medical Student Scholarships.
These exceptional students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, a commitment to the future of medicine, and dedication to serving our Central Florida community.
Samantha Gibson
UCF COM Class of 2026
Alexandra Kata
FSU COM Class of 2026
Thank you so much, this is such an honor to receive the PSCF Foundation scholarship. This scholarship will make a meaningful difference in my medical education and help me continue pursuing my goal of becoming a general surgeon.
Alexandra Kata is a medical student driven by her passion for hands-on care, systems-level change, and patient advocacy. She has served as Medical Student Council Secretary, led initiatives focused on equity in global health through the Global Health Collaboration Project, and contributed to surgical research. Alexandra is equally committed to wellness, mentoring cancer survivors through the Ulman Foundation. She brings a collaborative, resilient, and service-oriented approach to clinical care and hopes to maintain those values throughout her residency training and her career.
Melanie Kwaschyn
OCOM Class of 2028
Receiving the Physicians Society of Central Florida Medical School Scholarship will provide invaluable financial support, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my medical education and community service. With this assistance, I can continue leading initiatives like addressing food insecurity and advocating for women’s health, while progressing toward my goal of becoming a compassionate physician who promotes health equity and clinical excellence in Central Florida and beyond
My name is Melanie Kwaschyn, and I am originally from Long Island, NY. I graduated with high honors from the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. As one of four sisters, I share a close bond with my family and cherish the time we spend together. Outside of academics, I am passionate about staying active and, in my younger years, achieved a second-degree black belt and competed nationally in track and field during high school. I am also deeply committed to addressing food insecurity and giving back to my community, as I believe that access to basic resources is essential to health and dignity. In addition to my passion for women’s health, I have a strong interest in infectious disease and its far-reaching impact on vulnerable populations. My ultimate aspiration as of right now is to become an OB/GYN, with a focus on maternal-fetal medicine, in hopes of contributing to the prevention of perinatal loss and improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.
 |
|
“I have worked hard to remain engaged in servant leadership and organized medicine my entire professional career. I hope to continue my pursuit to be outstanding physician and patient advocate in Florida. It through your generosity that I
may continue to pursue this dream and I believe I share my success with each of you.”
Aviram "Avi" Assidon, MD
Florida State University College of Medicine Class of 2017 (Orange County Medical Society Foundation Scholarship Recipient) |
| | | |
 | | Dear Physicians Society of Central Florida Foundation, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for choosing me as a recipient of the Orlando Regional Medical Campus Merit Scholarship. Because of this scholarship, I can continue as a full-time student and
get one step closer to achieving my academic and career goals. I am deeply appreciative of your support and all the good that you do. I am currently a fourth-year MD student applying for an anesthesiology
residency. I was recently elected to AOA and look forward to graduating next May as part of the class of 2023. There were times when my dream of pursuing a higher education seemed daunting, but the financial assistance you have provided me has helped me tremendously. Thank you again for your very important financial assistance. Sincerely,
Lauren Milgrim, MD |
PSCF Scholarship Recipients |
2020
Nicholas Toselli, MD (UCF COM)
William Butler, MD (FSU COM)
2021
Katie Ballantyne MD (UCF COM)
Daniel Schaefer MD (FSU COM)
2022
Lauren Milgrim, MD (FSU COM)
Maxwell Droznin, MD (UCF COM)
2023
Cristina Sanchez, MD (FSU COM)
Kira Eickman, MD (UCF COM)
2024
Sarah Voskamp (UCF COM)
Delaney Rahl (FSU COM) 2025
Samantha Gibson (UCF COM)
Alexandra Kata (FSU COM)
Melanie Kwaschyn (OCOM) |
High School Scholarships
Every year the PSCF Foundation Seminole County High School Scholarship Program awards five $1,000 scholarships to local high school students who demonstrates extraordinary scholarship, integrity, and a strong interest in medicine and science. These awards
are known as the Dr. Luis Perez, Dr. Willie Newman, and Dr. Zabunnissa Vyas Scholarships.
Dr. Luis Perez
This scholarship is designed to aid high school seniors who currently attend a school in Seminole County, FL and who wish to further their education in the sciences. Preference will be given to applicants with a 3.5 grade-point average or better and who
have done well in at least three science courses during high school.
Dr. Willie Newman
https://pscfl.org/admin/content/CustomPageEdit.aspx?id=839645#Design
The Physicians Society of Central Florida Foundation is proud to offer the 2023 Dr. Willie Newman Scholarship of $1,000. This scholarship honors Dr. Willie Newman's 25 years of service to the women of Seminole County, and will be awarded to be given to
a deserving high school student interested in the field of medicine.
Dr. Zabunnissa Vyas
Preference will be given to applicants with a 3.5 grade-point average or above; Has expressed a desire and commitment to pursue a career in Medical field with a definite collage plan; Have shown commitment to pursue career in the State of Florida: Have
had a reasonable employment history; Have been financially challenged (public assistance, homeless, subsidized or public housing, Medicaid recipient, etc.).; Desire to provide improvement for the community by providing medical care.
The PSCF Foundation is the unified organization of the former Orange and Seminole County Medical Society Foundations.
Print Page
PSCF President