Supporting Education

The Department of Family Medicine Senior Scholarship is awarded to a senior medical student based on academic achievement, performance in the family medicine clerkship, a demonstrated commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine and demonstrated financial need. Give Now →

Family Medicine Senior Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Afrah Raza
2015 - Torrance C. Laury
2014 - David J. Gryniewicz
2013 - Julie K. Hubble
2012 - Angeline Ti
2011 - Christina W. Li
2010 - Kimberly Vanderzee
2008 - Elizabeth R. Meza
2007 - Crystal G. Kong
2006 - Kevin M. Kuzia
2005 - Jennifer M. Dehlin
2004 - Tracy T. Bozung and Andrew H. Heyman

"This recognition was entirely unexpected, and I am extremely grateful. The Family Medicine Senior Scholarship is a solid rock to stand on while bracing myself against the oncoming storm of student loan repayment." 
-Christina Li, recipient of the 2011 Family Medicine Senior Scholarship

The Kessler Award will support a senior medical student based on academic achievement during the first three years of medical school, performance in the family medicine clerkship, a demonstrated commitment to the principles of and a career in family medicine, and demonstrated financial need, as well as, an interest and dedication in helping rural and/or medically underserved populations. Give Now →

Harold Kessler, M.D. Scholarship Recipients

2015-2016 - Kartik Sidhar, Sarah A. Pettibone and Jonathan D. Waldman
2014-2015 - Grace P. Huang Amadi and Harriet Huang
2013-2014 - Carson C. Phillips and Michael C. Vizchero
2012-2013 - Nathan D. Stern
2011-2012 - Hela Issaq
2010-2011 - Jennifer J. Knoester
2009-2010 - Ketti Augusztiny
2008-2009 - David Lessens
2007-2008 - Janani Krishnaswami
2006-2007 - Tammy Chang
2005-2006 - Avani Sheth
2004-2005 - Sarah Vanston


“I must admit that after reading more about Dr. Kessler’s life, I feel even more honored and humbled to be recognized in the memory of such a kind, caring, curious and spirited individual. I feel that learning more about him has given me a centeredness, a sort of point of reference against which I can chart my own hopes and goals.”
 -Sarah Vanston, recipient of the 2004 Harold Kessler, M.D. Award in Family Medicine.

To create an endowment fund to establish the Alvin Johnson Stewart, M.D. Fellowship in Family Medicine for the support of training of graduate family physicians in the University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Family Medicine. The University will apply the annual distributions (in accordance with its endowment distributions policy) from the above-named endowment fund at the direction of the Chair of the Department of Family Medicine for the purpose of supporting training during matriculation in a fellowship program within the Department of Family Medicine.  Give Now →


“My experience in Kenya will forever influence my career as a family physician.  I felt energized and excited about the privilege to use the gifts given to me to serve other people.  I realize this can be done locally and abroad, but it gave me much needed perspective and broadened my view of the world and its needs. Thank you again for making this trip possible.” -Jeff Kim, M.D., 2011 recipient of support from the Alvin Johnson Stewart, M.D. Fund


“I have always viewed education as a key component of being a physician, and being able to participate in scholarly projects, conferences, and research during residency was one of the many reasons I feel grateful to have completed my residency at Michigan. Thank you so much for making these experiences possible.


"This year I am completing a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, also at the University of Michigan. I am looking forward to pursuing a career in academic medicine, to continue to enrich the medical education process, and hopefully, someday, make possible for others the experiences you have made possible for me.” - Ketti Petersen, M.D., 2013 recipient of support from the Alvin Johnson Stewart, M.D. Fund


“I just returned from a very educational and exciting away elective in Thailand. I was able to join medical teams and journey out into rural areas where I, not only saw a variety of tropical diseases, but a very different way of living than what we are accustomed to in America.

I hope to use what I have learned in my aspirations of future travel medicine and helping out in third world countries.  This trip would not have been possible without your funding. I thank you kindly and sincerely appreciate the opportunities you have provided.

Thank you so very much again, or as they would say in Thai ‘Kob Khun Mahk Ca.’” -Alisa Pantanakasame Young, M.D., 2010 recipient of support from the Alvin Johnson Stewart, M.D. Fund

Japanese Family Health Program Serving and promoting Japanese patients' health and well being.   Give Now →

The Kenneth & Judy Betz Family Medicine Scholarship is awarded to senior medical students based on academic achievement, performance in the family medicine clerkship, a demonstrated commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine and demonstrated financial need. Give Now →

Kenneth and Judy Betz Family Medicine Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Julie A. Blaszczak
2015 - James Bailey
2014 - Emily R. Torell
2013 - Nathan D. Stern
2012 - Alexa R. Lindley
2011 - Jennifer M. Brewer
2010 - Ketti S. Augusztiny
2009 - Nell Burger Kirst
2008 - Laura M. Breymann
2007 - Stephen J. Warnick, Jr.
2006 - Christine R. Westbrook
2005 - James F. Dolan


“Thank you [Betz family] for your support and for this award. I’m so happy I chose the field of family medicine. I will be going to the University of California, San Francisco where the focus on caring for urban underserved patients and working toward eliminating health disparities aligns with my passions.” - Alexa R. Lindley, recipient of the 2012 Kenneth and Judy Betz Scholarship

The Robert J. Fisher, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship was established in 2010 and is awarded to a senior medical student based on academic achievement, a demonstrated commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine and demonstrated financial need.

Dr. Fisher is a 1960 U-M medical school graduate and, during school, he had the honor of serving as the president of his class for three years. He practiced for over 30 years in Ypsilanti, Mich., before retiring. Give Now →

Robert J. Fisher, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship Recpients

2016 - Dominic Kiley
2015 - Greg A. Jaffe
2014 - Tyler L. Ladue
2013 - Andrew K. Cunningham
2012 - Anthony S. Grech
2011 - Matthew R. Schlough


“I am very grateful to the Department of Family Medicine and, in particular, Dr. Fisher for his generosity. It was great to meet him and hear interesting stories about medical school and residency training from years past. I'm really excited to be heading to Seattle for residency and this scholarship will help ease my transition to the Northwest and offset some of the significant cost of medical school.”
 -Matthew R. Schlough, recipient of the 2011 Robert J. Fisher, M.D., Medical Student Scholarship

In 1999, Christine Stevens and her husband Jim established the Spencer H. Wagar, M.D. Endowment Fund in honor of her father's life in medicine and his profound caring for others. The distributions for this fund are currently supporting opportunities at Ypsilanti East Middle School Health Center that serves a diverse group of adolescents and has been designated as a high-risk school. Through this fund, Dr. Wagar's generous spirit and vision of community health care lives on through the children and the families in Ypsilanti. Give Now →

The Terence C. Davies, M.D. Award named in honor of the founding Chair of the Department of Family Medicine in 1978, is awarded annually to a graduating senior or seniors for clinical and scholarly excellence in family medicine. These students exemplify the qualities of the outstanding family physician: dedication to patient needs, intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, community service, and leadership. Give Now →

Terence C. Davies, M.D. Award Recipients

2016 - Julie A. Blaszcak
2015 - Grace P. Huang Amadi
2014 - Roshan F. Najafi
2013 - Nathan D. Stern
2012 - Justin Conway
2011 - Christina W. Li
2010 - Ketti S. Augusztiny & Timothy A. Poulton
2009 - Nell Burger-Kirst & David M. Lessens
2008 - Matthew R. Meunier & Suzanne V. Ross
2007 - Tammy Chang & Stephen J. Warnick, Jr.
2006 - Avani J. Sheth
2005 - James F. Dolan
2004 - Tracy K. Bozung
2003 - Michael I. Bruderly
2002 - Te-Yu Ruth Chang & Elise B. Georgi
2001 - Anne L. Kittendorf
2000 - Jameelah J. Gater
1999 - Lisa M. Long
1998 - Stefani J. Day & Sonja N. Van Hala
1997 - Grant M. Greenberg
1996 - Todd M. Sheperd
1995 - Scott A. Paluska & Sharon K. Shepich
1994 - Mark J. Zawisa
1993 - Diana R. Lewis (Curran) & Kimberly K. Wooloshin (Koons)
1992 - Nicola J. Davies & Thomas R. Graf
1991 - David J. Gronski &Kim R. Kahler
1990 - Gerard A. Rudy
1989 - James Kerwin
1988 - Lisa J. Pierce (Tiziani)

“I can not tell you how honored I am to be the recipient of this award. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have met, learned from, and worked with all of you [family physicians]. To me, this award is a manifestation of the wonderful mentorship you have provided, and yet another reminder of how amazing it is to be part of the U-M Family Medicine family.” 
-Justing Conway, recipeint of the 2012 Terence C. Davies, M.D., Award.

The William C. Gorenflo Research Fund provides an award to a medical student or resident who is doing research with a family medicine clinical or research faculty member. This unique award, established in honor and memory of William C. Gorenflo, provides incentive and inspires passion for research. Give Now →

William C. Gorenflo Research Award Recipients:

2015-2016 - Nicolas Johnson, M.D. and Kathryn Brown
2014-2015 - Alissa D. Petrities
2013-2014 - Hetal H. Choxi, M.D., and Gregory D. Shumer, M.D.
2012-2013 - Weyinshet P. Gossa, M.D.
2011-2012 - Joanna T. Lee, D.O.
2010-2011 - Sara Bowling, M.S.I.V., and Lindsay Davis, M.S.I.I.I.
2009-2010 - Shawn Brown, M.S.I.I.I.
2008-2009 - Tammy Chang, M.D., M.P.H.
2006-2007 - Julie P. Phillips, M.D., M.P.H.
2005-2006 - Curi Kim, M.D.
2004-2005 - Katherine J. Gold, M.D., M.S.W., M.S.

“Mr. [William C.] Gorenflo had a fulfilling life; enjoying outdoor activities, serving for his country with pride, enjoying time with his family.  It is our hope that our patients can have the same for themselves.  To decrease the health consequences related to obesity will allow our patients to lead a life with less chronic diseases and a more productive life.” – Joanna Lee, D.O., recipient of the 2011 William C. Gorenflo Research Award


"Our Department [of Family Medicine] provides a wonderful environment for students and residents interested in research, and I am very happy to be learning and working here.  I am honored to have been chosen for this award, and I am thankful to the Gorenflo family for giving me and other new researchers this encouragement and inspiration." 
- Julie Phillips, M.D., MPH., recipient of the 2006 William C. Gorenflo Research Award

Beginning in 2009, the newly established Dale L. Williams, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship shall be awarded to senior medical students who match into the family medicine program at the University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine. The scholarships shall be awarded after Match Day of the recipient’s last year of study toward an M.D. degree and the fund was established to encourage medical students to consider a career in family medicine.  Give Now →

Dale L. Williams, M.D. Scholarship Recipients

2016 - George A. Wasylyshyn
2015 - David T. Schrock
2014 - Yujing Lin
2013 - Andrew K. Cunningham
2012 - Julie B. Kaplan
2011 - Allison Wessel
2010 - Audrey B. Richardson
2009 - Puja G. Sumudra

"Thank you so much to Dr. & Mrs. Williams. I cannot explain to you how humbled I am to stand up here today.  I’m a just girl from Farmington Hills who wants to be someone’s doctor, and I am so grateful that as I start residency here next month, I will have the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of so many of the giants in this room. I am also so honored to stand among my inspiring classmates here today, as we represent the 19 of us who proudly matched into Family Medicine this year. I am so grateful to Dr. Williams for the diligence and foresight he put into helping establish this department in 1978 and for his continued support of the department and students like me.  I can only hope that throughout my career I am able to give back to my community and enrich the field of Family Medicine in a fraction of the way that you [Dr. Williams] have." 
-Julie B. Kaplan, recipient of the 2012 Dale L. Williams, M.D., Family Medicine Scholarship

The Jill and Thomas R. Berglund, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior medical student based on the combination of outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and a commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine. Dr. Berglund, who passed away in 2011, was a 1959 U-M medical school graduate and a family physician in the Kalamazoo area. Give Now →

Jill and Thomas R. Berglund, M.D. Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Lindsey R. Kolar
2015 - Shadia A. Yeihey
2014 - Casey R. Graves
2013 - Yorgos E. Strangas
2012 - Marisa E. Gross
2011 - Kristine E. Smith
2010 - Timothy A. Poulton
2009 - Tessa K. Dake


“It was truly an honor to receive the Berglund Scholarship. Learning of Dr. Berglund's legacy and commitment to family medicine was inspiring. It also is rewarding financially and emotionally to know there are role models who support my ambitions to become a family medicine physician." 
-Kristine E. Smith, recipient of the 2011 Jill and Thomas R. Berglund, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship

The Chelsea Community Family Medicine Scholarship was established by a long-time friend and supporter of the Department, Arlene Howe, who played a significant role in establishing the department's inpatient service at Chelsea Community Hospital in 1978. She initiated this scholarship to encourage students to consider family medicine as a specialty.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a senior medical student, who has matched into a family medicine residency program, and is based on a combination of outstanding academic and clinical performance and demonstrated financial need. Give Now →

Chelsea Community Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Elizabet M. Irish
2015 - David T. Schrock
2014 - Tyler L. Ladue
2013 - Kristine R. Martel
2012 - Anthony S. Grech
2011 - Annelie Ott
2010 - Keturah P. Schacht
2009 - David M. Lessens


"Receiving this award made me feel welcomed and I very much look forward to joining this wonderful community of people. Thank you everyone."
- Annelie Ott, recipient of the 2011 Chelsea Community Family Medicine Scholarship Fund

The Vincent P. and Genevieve L. Burns Family Medicine Scholarship, established by their daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Burns, M.D. a 1976 U-M medical school graduate and family physician, is awarded to a senior medical student based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and a commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine. Give Now →

Burns Family Medicine Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Sarah A. Pettibone
2015 - Torrance C. Laury
2014 - Susan F. Mead
2013 - Nazneen F. Uddin
2012 - Sara A. Bowling
2011 - Katherine Christensen Belsky
2010 - Caitlin E. Enright
2009 - David M. Lessens


“I am truly honored and want to thank Dr. Burns, her parents, Dr. Zazove and the Department of Family Medicine. Thank you for the continued support and inspiration I have found here at U-M. I chose the field of family medicine believing it will give me the best opportunity to provide long term preventative care to my patients and to have access to helping the underserved." 
-Sara A. Bowling, recipient of the 2012 Vincent P. and Genevieve L. Burns Family Medicine Scholarship

In 1956, the University of Michigan AEI Sorority was an organization that provided support and encouragement for professional women. As the interest in professional sororities declined and the required maintenance on sorority houses increased, AEI sold their house to the University and placed the money in a trust. As the designated trustee for the AEI Sorority Fund, family physician Dr. Marguerite (Peg) Shearer generously established the AEI Sorority Endowed Medical Student Scholarship Fund to support medical students who choose family medicine as their specialty. Give Now →

AEI Sorority Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Kartik Sidhar
2015 - Brittani M. Jackson
2014 - Roshan F. Najafi
2013 - Kristine R. Martel
2012 - Jessica Guh
2011 - Allison Wessel
2010 - Lindsey V. Kotagal

“Though social justice drives me, patient contact sustains me. Family Medicine strikes me as an energizing meld of intellectual challenges, fascinating science and human relationships … I see my role not only as a healer, but fellow advocate, community member, and safe haven. Thank you. It is a particular honor to see Dr. Shearer’s name associated with this award. She is a bit of a celebrity for those of us interested in comprehensive reproductive health.” 
-Jessica Guh, recipient of the 2012 AEI Sorority Family Medicine Scholarship

The Paddy and Donald N. Fitch, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior medical student based on the combination of outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and a commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine. Dr. Fitch, a family physician, graduated from U-M Medical School in 1959 and practiced in Escanaba, Michigan. He passed away in August of 2011 and this scholarship honors his memory and the profession for which he was cited as the perfect role model. Give Now →

Paddy and Donald N. Fitch, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Jonathan D. Waldman
2015 - Marissa B. Lapedis
2014 - Michael C. Vizachero
2013 - Angad P. Singh
2012 - Angeline Ti

“In family medicine, I found a specialty full of people who not only are incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate, but who are also driven to care for the whole person and advocate for patients and their families. This Department has been amazing and I definitely wouldn’t have chosen family medicine if it hadn’t of been for all the great people I have met here.” 
-Angeline Ti, recipient of the inaugural 2012 Paddy and Donald N. Fitch, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship

The Kenneth and Judy Preceptorship Fund supports a clinical experience for University of Michigan Medical Students between the first second and second years of medical school, with community-based family physicians. The M1/M2 Preceptorship Program is designed to provide an early experience in the “real world” of family medicine through a caring and competent role model. This program provides motivation for medical students to elect the specialty of family medicine as a career. Give Now →

“Immersion is the best way I can describe my summer preceptorship experience. I had the opportunity to practice taking a history and performing a relevant physical exam on patients. The best part of the experience was interacting with patients. Over summer I saw/heard: heart murmurs, positive swinging flashlight test, wheezes, carotid bruits, abdominal aorta bruit, a positive Lachman’s test and many more. I am grateful for my time in Petoskey and for having an amazing mentor, Dr. Sheperd, who pushed me to learn and took time out of his day to teach. This is an experience all medical students should have before their clinical years.” –First-year medical student who precepted in Petoskey, Michigan, in 2013

“I have been interested in rural medicine for many years, but I had never seen it in action until this summer. While it was great to practice my physical exam skills, more importantly, the variety of cases I encountered and the excellent patient-physician rapport I experienced cemented my desire to become a primary care physician. While the ability to practice my newly minted physical exam skills on a wide range of patients was fantastic, the best part of my experience was seeing the positive impact of good primary care. This experience taught me that rural family medicine is full of interesting patients who make each day an exciting challenge. Additionally, rural medicine offers the unique ability to care for an entire community. In the future, I hope to care for patients like those I met in Portland as a primary care physician.” –First-year medical student who precepted in Portland, Michigan, in 2013

“I learned how to do a proper physical exam and how to manage heart failure and diabetes, but, more importantly, I saw just how rewarding primary care can be. The doctors who mentored me are adored by their patients, who come back year after year because they know that these men and women know, understand and respect them. The strength of that admiration was seen, heard, and felt; one man even brought in a freshly caught fish for his doctor to eat. That’s the kind of relationship I want with my patients.” –First-year medical student who precepted in Jackson, Michigan, in 2012

The Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. Resident Teacher Award will be awarded annually to a senior resident who shows both a passion for mentoring and exemplary teaching skills.  The Schwenk Award honors Tom’s passion and contributions in the area of teaching and mentoring throughout his long career with the Department of Family Medicine.  Give Now →

The Michael Papo, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior medical student based on the combination of outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and a commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine. Dr. Papo, a family physician, graduated from U-M Medical School in 1958 and practiced in Chelsea, Michigan. He passed away in November of 2012 and this scholarship honors his life and his many contributions to family medicine. Give Now →

Michael Papo, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship Recipients

2016 - Elizabeth M. Irish
2015 - Sofia Y. Ligard
2014 - Camille M. Riddering
2013 - Yorgos E. Strangas

The Gazella-Brandle Memorial Family Medicine Scholarship was established by Gary  R. Gazella, M.D. in memory of Dr. Gazella’s sister, Kathy Lynn Gazella; Dr. Gazella’s father, Richard LaVern Gazella; Dr. Gazell’as mother, Margaret Maxine Hugmeyer Gazella; Dr. Gazella’s  father-in-law, Robert John Brandle; and Dr. Gazella’s mother-in-law, Doris Arlen Hanson Brandle. It is awarded annually to a senior medical student based on the combination of outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and a commitment to the principles of, and a career in, family medicine.  Give Now →

Gazella-Brandle Memorial Family Medicine Scholarship Recipient

2016 - Jonathan D. Waldman