Carolinas

The American Osteopathic Foundation’s Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholar Award was established by Dr. Nichols to support, honor, and encourage Osteopathic medical students who show promise and exhibit the foundational leadership skills that will serve them and their communities now and in the future. Dr. Nichols was the first woman president of the AOA, former Dean of Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and first DO to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Purpose

This educational scholarship is awarded annually to recognize an Osteopathic medical student whose Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication are proven in the classroom and community. 

Award 

A scholarship of $5,000 will be presented to one (1) individual who exemplifies the scholarship's purpose.

Eligibility

• Student in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the the fall of 2025.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, nominee must be in the top 50% of their class (displaying strong academic achievement while in medical school).
• Displays Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication through the following characteristics:
  • Commitment to community and the Osteopathic profession
  • Demonstrated leadership experiences within the classroom and community
  • Noteworthy achievements, awards, honors, special projects, and extracurricular activities
  • Excellence within multiple areas: personal, academic, and professional
• Current AOA membership required to apply. (You may register for complimentary AOA student membership here).

Application Requirements

• Completed online application – students may apply directly
• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, confirming a strong (top 50%) academic standing and verification from the COM that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid for which they are receiving. An optional template is located here.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A one (1) page personal statement that outlines how the student exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (include memberships, Osteopathic or other).
• Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process

Applications period opens Monday, February 23, 2026 and closes Thursday, April 30, 2026. The selected student and their SOM/COM will be notified by July 31 annually. The scholarship recipient will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to attend AOF’s Honors Gala to meet leaders in the Osteopathic profession.

The William G. Anderson, DO, Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 in recognition of the distinguished career of William G. Anderson, DO, and his life-long commitment to civil rights, his dogged pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion, three decades-long dedication to the Osteopathic profession, and his generous philanthropic spirit.  

Purpose

This scholarship annually recognizes Osteopathic medical students who are committed to Osteopathic principles and practices, excel academically, and have proven to be leaders in addressing educational and societal barriers, as well as addressing health care needs of minority populations.  

Scholarship 

A limited number of scholarships in the amount of $10,000 will be awarded to Osteopathic medical students who exemplify the scholarship’s purpose.  

Eligibility

• Minority* student in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the fall of 2027.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, applicant must be in the top 50% of their class (displaying strong academic achievement while in medical school).
• Plays a leadership role in addressing the educational, societal, or health needs of minorities.   
• Multiple examples of their work to address inequities in medical education or health care.
• Participates in volunteer activities outside of college-requirements that demonstrate their commitment to equity and inclusion. Can include service projects, philanthropic activities, and health policy initiatives, etc.
• Has demonstrated financial need.
• Current AOA membership required to apply. (You may register for complimentary AOA student membership here.)

*Minority is defined by the US Census as those individuals identifying as African American; Asian American, Arab and other Middle Eastern American, Native American (including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian); and Latinx or Hispanic students.  International students are also welcome to apply.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application – students may apply directly
• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, confirming a strong (top 50%) academic standing and verification from the COM that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid for which they are eligible. An optional template is located here.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies the purpose of the award. NOTE: one must be from an Osteopathic Physician.
• A one (1) page personal statement outlining the applicant’s academic aptitude, and citing multiple, specific examples of their commitment to addressing health equity.
• Proof of complimentary AOA student membership
• Current resume or curriculum vitae (include memberships, Osteopathic or other). 

Review Process

Application period is currently closed and will not open again until sometime in February 2027. 

Click here to access the application portal.

The Cardiology Consultants of Spartanburg Scholarship awards a $2500 scholarship to one medical student from Spartanburg, Laurens, Cherokee, or Union County.

The financial aid office will send out the SCMA scholarship information to all students in January or February of each year.   You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

Deadline:  usually sometime in March

The Eric T. Crickman, MD Scholarship awards a $2000 scholarship to one  medical student from Darlington County who is interested in occupational medicine or family medicine.

Deadline: usually sometime in March

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January or February.  You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

The Spartanburg County Medical Society Alliance Scholarship awards a $1200 scholarship to a medical student who grew up in Spartanburg County and attended Spartanburg Schools.

Deadline:   March 1st

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January. You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

The Kristen Mahon Scholarship awards a $3000 scholarship to one  medical student who is a graduate of Lander University or Irmo High School, or is a native South Carolinian.

Deadline:  Usually sometime in March

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January or February. You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

A scholarship will be awarded to one medical student from each of the medical schools.

Deadline:  usually sometime in March. 

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January or February.  You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

The Henry J. Stuckey Scholarship awards a $3500 scholarship to one medical student from Bamberg County.

Deadline: usually sometime in March

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January or February.  You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for.  Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

The Spartanburg County Medical Society Scholarship awards a $2500 scholarship to one medical student from Spartanburg County.

Deadline:   usually sometime in March

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January or February. You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.

The Walter J. Roberts, Jr., MD Scholarship awards a $500 scholarship to one medical student who is a resident of South Carolina with financial need and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Deadline: usually sometime in March

The financial aid office will send out information regarding this scholarship in January or February.  You will need to complete the application and indicate on the application which scholarship(s) you are applying for. Winners will be determined based on financial need and academic merit.