The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Foundation is a student managed, non-profit organization specializing in providing scholarships for current Osteopathic medical students who are members of National SOMA. Our Spring Scholarship cycle is currently accepting applications and are available to students from every stage in their educational career (OMS I-IV) who are active SOMA members. Below are the available scholarships with their deadline and website link for applications. Questions can be directed to Siddhant Srivastava, Director of Scholarships and Grants (scholarships-grants@studentdo.com). Best of luck to all applicants!
Please review the eligibility & requirements prior to beginning your application!
Open through August 27 11:59pm CT
COMMUNITY & PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
The Osteopathic philosophy encourages the treatment of our patients through a whole body experience, taking account of matters of the mind, body and spirit. Osteopathic physicians bring this idea into their practice of community and preventive medicine where the philosophy thrives and allows a better quality of life for their patients. The Osteopathic Founders Foundation looks to acknowledge one student who has a passion for working in community health and looking to advance within Preventive Medicine with this $1,000.00 award.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
Statement of 1000 words or less describing the work you have done in the field of community medicine and your future career plan.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
One (1) letter of recommendation letter from a school official or a supervisor knowledgeable of applicant's community medicine experience.
One (1) letter of good standing (typically obtained from school's registrar).
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL OUTREACH SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to five (5) students will be selected for the scholarship and receive up to $1,000 to cover expenses associated with a Power of a Nickel (PON) trip. PON global health trips are catered to providing healthcare and health education for underserved and medically needy persons. This discount is intended for those wishing to conduct research or scholarly activities related to activities encountered on the medical trip. A research article, poster presentation, article for publication or presentation at an accredited venue, or a publishable case study is required. The initial 50% of the scholarship amount will be awarded prior to the trip and the remaining 50% will be awarded after the research component has been submitted, within 6 months of trip completion.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
- The cause must be applied to Global Health and/or assist a country outside of the United States.
- Once chosen for the scholarship, the site may not be changed without verbal and/or written consent of the International Health Programs Director. Awards may be applied to projects that have previously occurred or are yet to occur if the applicant is still a student at a COCA-accredited COM/SOM at the time the scholarship is awarded.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
Completed essay responses for each of the following s (up to 400 words each).
2. State how this experience will benefit your education and future career as an osteopathic physician.
1. Please describe the type and location (if relevant) of the Global Health cause you have chosen and why. Describe how you discovered your international opportunity.
3. Create a list of estimated expenditures for your proposed international elective. Include all estimated costs of airline travel, housing expense, rotation site costs, and any other relevant expenses. Describe how this scholarship would benefit you. Please be as specific as possible.
ROBERT S. JUHASZ, DO, INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP IN OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by former AOA President, Robert S. Juhasz, DO, this $1,000 scholarship awards a student who has taken steps to better the healthcare field with innovative and creative methods that not only benefit the patients, but the physicians as well.
ELIGIBILITY
OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
Statement of no more than 1500 words describing the importance that innovation and creative thinking has within today’s healthcare delivery. List at least one example of which you have contributed to fostering innovation within medicine (addressing challenges of quality, affordability through new approach, modifying a current system for something better, etc) and how such experience will help prepare you for your future career in Osteopathic Medicine.
One (1) letter of recommendation either from school official or a supervisor knowledgeable of applicant's community medicine experience.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
SOMA CHAPTER GRANTS
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Foundation has created the SOMA Foundation Grant Program to promote Osteopathic medicine on a local level. The SOMA Foundation is able to financially support individual SOMA chapter projects that promote the mission of SOMA and the AOA while furthering an understanding of Osteopathic medicine in our communities through the generous support of Foundation donors. Awards are limited to $500 per school to allow each SOMA chapter the opportunity to take advantage of this program. However, there is only a maximum budget of $2,000 per year and awards are given on a first come, first served basis.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
- All applicants must be in good standing with National SOMA.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed online application – Students Chapter Presidents may apply directly.
- Statement of 250 words or less describing the program.
- Proposed program budget.
SOMA FALL TRAVEL GRANT
DEADLINE is AUGUST 8
One Osteopathic medical student will receive reimbursement for up to $500 to attend OMED 2023. The winner of the travel grant are required to participate in the SOMA Foundation activities held during OMED.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
- All applicants have completed registration and have been approved for travel.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed online application – students may apply directly.
- Curriculum Vitae or resume
- Statement of 250 words or less for each response:
- Why is coming to the conference important to you? What are you going to accomplish by attending?
- What will you take away from the conference to better yourself, your COM, your community?
- Please describe what aspects of travel the grant would support? Be as specific as possible. Do you anticipate any other funding or support, (ie. Your school or state society)?
SOMAF OMED (OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) GRANT
GRANT APPLICATION OPEN TO 2023 OMED HOST STATE COMS/SOMS.
This $500 grant(s) will be used to create a program or project deemed “new and innovative” that addresses a significant, current community need and that can also be replicated in other chapters across the country, once determined successful. Your proposal should aim to achieve these four goals:
- Positively impact the COM and/or local community and residential population
- Promote local and national camaraderie among Osteopathic medical students
- Demonstrate how philanthropy can support and elevate healthcare agendas
- Instill a sense of leadership, responsibility, and commitment to the local community
The project must align with the aforementioned goals, produce measurable outcomes that benefit the COM and/or local community, and have the potential to be replicated in other COM communities across the country. For example, the project must produce measurable outcomes, such as increasing community vaccine rates; creating a disaster awareness or fundraising plan; creating a toolkit for how to better understand, appreciate and embrace the medical needs of LGBTQIA+ students in medical school.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- The SOMA Chapters invited to apply must be in good standing with National SOMA.
- All applicants are willing to travel to OMED to present their program.
- Grant proposals from invited COMs should support a significant com.
WOMEN IN MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by the National Association of Osteopathic Foundations, the Woman in Medicine Scholarship looks to award a student $1,000.00 who represents a growing population within healthcare and encourages pursuit of leadership and equality within the workplace.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
One-page statement giving an example of how you have seen a women’s impact in the medical field and explain how it had inspired you to pursue medicine.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
One (1) letter of recommendation letter from a school official or a supervisor knowledgeable of applicant’s community medicine experience.
A letter of good standing (typically obtained from school’s registrar).
Opening 2024
ED AND MELISSA LONIEWSKI MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED SCHOLARSHIP
One Osteopathic Medical student will receive a scholarship of up to $3,000 donated by Dr. and Mrs. Loniewski for completing a medically underserved experience nationally or internationally in the field of primary care or a specialty or subspecialty.
NEW MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS
The Advocates for the AOA believes that the future of Osteopathic Medicine begins with its students and have sponsored (5) $500.00 scholarships for Osteopathic students who have registered with National SOMA during the 2022-2023 Academic year and who show potential leadership skills within the field of osteopathic medicine.
NORTHUP EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The George W. Northup Educator of the Year Award was developed by the Student Osteopathic Medical Association in honor of George Northup, D.O. Dr. Northup acted as mentor to many osteopathic medical students throughout his career, often going above and beyond the call of duty to improve students' educational experiences. Each year, local SOMA chapters nominate a professor, dean, or faculty member from their osteopathic medical school who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Northup. Nominees in the past have provided countless additional hours to students during exam preparation, have opened their homes to students, volunteered in the community, and acted as a friend when needed.
Due to a significant number of highly qualified nominees, up to 5 finalists will be selected by March 22. The top 5 finalists will then be asked to make a three minute video to present to the 2023 National SOMA House of Delegates (HOD) in April at the Spring Convention in Washington, D.C where the winner will be selected by ballot vote. The winner will be recognized at the 2023 SOMA Foundation Fall Reception at OMED in Orlando, FL.
PHYSICIAN LOANS A.T. STILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Two Osteopathic Medical students will receive a scholarship for $1,000 and the award will be distributed at the annual spring SOMA convention. This scholarship is sponsored by Physician Loans, an organization that offers The Doctor Loan, a loan program that offers a great mortgage and resources for you after graduating medical school. Applicants may describe any clinical experience where they utilized OMT during the current academic year.
SOMAF/SOMA SCHOLAR AWARD
One SOMA member will receive a scholarship of $500 donated by the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA). The winner will be based on their essay response and CV.
SOMA SPRING TRAVEL GRANTS
Up to four (4) Osteopathic medical students will receive reimbursement for up to $500 to attend the 2024 SOMA Spring Convention. The winners(s) of the travel grant are required to participate in SOMA Foundation activities held during the SOMA conference.
MARVIN H. AND KATHLEEN G. TEGET LEADERSHIP IN SPECIALTY MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIPS
Two Osteopathic medical students will each receive a scholarship for $1,000 and the award will be distributed at the annual spring SOMA convention.
SOMA Foundation Scholarships & Grants Portal
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Foundation is a student managed, non-profit organization specializing in providing scholarships for current Osteopathic medical students who are members of National SOMA. Our Spring Scholarship cycle is currently accepting applications and are available to students from every stage in their educational career (OMS I-IV) who are active SOMA members. Below are the available scholarships with their deadline and website link for applications. Questions can be directed to Siddhant Srivastava, Director of Scholarships and Grants (scholarships-grants@studentdo.com). Best of luck to all applicants!
Please review the eligibility & requirements prior to beginning your application!
Open through August 27 11:59pm CT
COMMUNITY & PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
The Osteopathic philosophy encourages the treatment of our patients through a whole body experience, taking account of matters of the mind, body and spirit. Osteopathic physicians bring this idea into their practice of community and preventive medicine where the philosophy thrives and allows a better quality of life for their patients. The Osteopathic Founders Foundation looks to acknowledge one student who has a passion for working in community health and looking to advance within Preventive Medicine with this $1,000.00 award.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
Statement of 1000 words or less describing the work you have done in the field of community medicine and your future career plan.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
One (1) letter of recommendation letter from a school official or a supervisor knowledgeable of applicant's community medicine experience.
One (1) letter of good standing (typically obtained from school's registrar).
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL OUTREACH SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to five (5) students will be selected for the scholarship and receive up to $1,000 to cover expenses associated with a Power of a Nickel (PON) trip. PON global health trips are catered to providing healthcare and health education for underserved and medically needy persons. This discount is intended for those wishing to conduct research or scholarly activities related to activities encountered on the medical trip. A research article, poster presentation, article for publication or presentation at an accredited venue, or a publishable case study is required. The initial 50% of the scholarship amount will be awarded prior to the trip and the remaining 50% will be awarded after the research component has been submitted, within 6 months of trip completion.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
- The cause must be applied to Global Health and/or assist a country outside of the United States.
- Once chosen for the scholarship, the site may not be changed without verbal and/or written consent of the International Health Programs Director. Awards may be applied to projects that have previously occurred or are yet to occur if the applicant is still a student at a COCA-accredited COM/SOM at the time the scholarship is awarded.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
Completed essay responses for each of the following s (up to 400 words each).
2. State how this experience will benefit your education and future career as an osteopathic physician.
1. Please describe the type and location (if relevant) of the Global Health cause you have chosen and why. Describe how you discovered your international opportunity.
3. Create a list of estimated expenditures for your proposed international elective. Include all estimated costs of airline travel, housing expense, rotation site costs, and any other relevant expenses. Describe how this scholarship would benefit you. Please be as specific as possible.
ROBERT S. JUHASZ, DO, INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP IN OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by former AOA President, Robert S. Juhasz, DO, this $1,000 scholarship awards a student who has taken steps to better the healthcare field with innovative and creative methods that not only benefit the patients, but the physicians as well.
ELIGIBILITY
OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
Statement of no more than 1500 words describing the importance that innovation and creative thinking has within today’s healthcare delivery. List at least one example of which you have contributed to fostering innovation within medicine (addressing challenges of quality, affordability through new approach, modifying a current system for something better, etc) and how such experience will help prepare you for your future career in Osteopathic Medicine.
One (1) letter of recommendation either from school official or a supervisor knowledgeable of applicant's community medicine experience.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
SOMA CHAPTER GRANTS
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Foundation has created the SOMA Foundation Grant Program to promote Osteopathic medicine on a local level. The SOMA Foundation is able to financially support individual SOMA chapter projects that promote the mission of SOMA and the AOA while furthering an understanding of Osteopathic medicine in our communities through the generous support of Foundation donors. Awards are limited to $500 per school to allow each SOMA chapter the opportunity to take advantage of this program. However, there is only a maximum budget of $2,000 per year and awards are given on a first come, first served basis.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
- All applicants must be in good standing with National SOMA.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed online application – Students Chapter Presidents may apply directly.
- Statement of 250 words or less describing the program.
- Proposed program budget.
SOMA FALL TRAVEL GRANT
DEADLINE is AUGUST 8
One Osteopathic medical student will receive reimbursement for up to $500 to attend OMED 2023. The winner of the travel grant are required to participate in the SOMA Foundation activities held during OMED.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
- All applicants have completed registration and have been approved for travel.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed online application – students may apply directly.
- Curriculum Vitae or resume
- Statement of 250 words or less for each response:
- Why is coming to the conference important to you? What are you going to accomplish by attending?
- What will you take away from the conference to better yourself, your COM, your community?
- Please describe what aspects of travel the grant would support? Be as specific as possible. Do you anticipate any other funding or support, (ie. Your school or state society)?
SOMAF OMED (OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) GRANT
GRANT APPLICATION OPEN TO 2023 OMED HOST STATE COMS/SOMS.
This $500 grant(s) will be used to create a program or project deemed “new and innovative” that addresses a significant, current community need and that can also be replicated in other chapters across the country, once determined successful. Your proposal should aim to achieve these four goals:
- Positively impact the COM and/or local community and residential population
- Promote local and national camaraderie among Osteopathic medical students
- Demonstrate how philanthropy can support and elevate healthcare agendas
- Instill a sense of leadership, responsibility, and commitment to the local community
The project must align with the aforementioned goals, produce measurable outcomes that benefit the COM and/or local community, and have the potential to be replicated in other COM communities across the country. For example, the project must produce measurable outcomes, such as increasing community vaccine rates; creating a disaster awareness or fundraising plan; creating a toolkit for how to better understand, appreciate and embrace the medical needs of LGBTQIA+ students in medical school.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- The SOMA Chapters invited to apply must be in good standing with National SOMA.
- All applicants are willing to travel to OMED to present their program.
- Grant proposals from invited COMs should support a significant com.
WOMEN IN MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by the National Association of Osteopathic Foundations, the Woman in Medicine Scholarship looks to award a student $1,000.00 who represents a growing population within healthcare and encourages pursuit of leadership and equality within the workplace.
ELIGIBILITY
- OMS I – IV at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM).
- All applicants must hold an active SOMA membership.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Completed online application – students may apply directly.
One-page statement giving an example of how you have seen a women’s impact in the medical field and explain how it had inspired you to pursue medicine.
Curriculum Vitae or resume.
One (1) letter of recommendation letter from a school official or a supervisor knowledgeable of applicant’s community medicine experience.
A letter of good standing (typically obtained from school’s registrar).
Opening 2024
ED AND MELISSA LONIEWSKI MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED SCHOLARSHIP
One Osteopathic Medical student will receive a scholarship of up to $3,000 donated by Dr. and Mrs. Loniewski for completing a medically underserved experience nationally or internationally in the field of primary care or a specialty or subspecialty.
NEW MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS
The Advocates for the AOA believes that the future of Osteopathic Medicine begins with its students and have sponsored (5) $500.00 scholarships for Osteopathic students who have registered with National SOMA during the 2022-2023 Academic year and who show potential leadership skills within the field of osteopathic medicine.
NORTHUP EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The George W. Northup Educator of the Year Award was developed by the Student Osteopathic Medical Association in honor of George Northup, D.O. Dr. Northup acted as mentor to many osteopathic medical students throughout his career, often going above and beyond the call of duty to improve students' educational experiences. Each year, local SOMA chapters nominate a professor, dean, or faculty member from their osteopathic medical school who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Northup. Nominees in the past have provided countless additional hours to students during exam preparation, have opened their homes to students, volunteered in the community, and acted as a friend when needed.
Due to a significant number of highly qualified nominees, up to 5 finalists will be selected by March 22. The top 5 finalists will then be asked to make a three minute video to present to the 2023 National SOMA House of Delegates (HOD) in April at the Spring Convention in Washington, D.C where the winner will be selected by ballot vote. The winner will be recognized at the 2023 SOMA Foundation Fall Reception at OMED in Orlando, FL.
PHYSICIAN LOANS A.T. STILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Two Osteopathic Medical students will receive a scholarship for $1,000 and the award will be distributed at the annual spring SOMA convention. This scholarship is sponsored by Physician Loans, an organization that offers The Doctor Loan, a loan program that offers a great mortgage and resources for you after graduating medical school. Applicants may describe any clinical experience where they utilized OMT during the current academic year.
SOMAF/SOMA SCHOLAR AWARD
One SOMA member will receive a scholarship of $500 donated by the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA). The winner will be based on their essay response and CV.
SOMA SPRING TRAVEL GRANTS
Up to four (4) Osteopathic medical students will receive reimbursement for up to $500 to attend the 2024 SOMA Spring Convention. The winners(s) of the travel grant are required to participate in SOMA Foundation activities held during the SOMA conference.
MARVIN H. AND KATHLEEN G. TEGET LEADERSHIP IN SPECIALTY MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIPS
Two Osteopathic medical students will each receive a scholarship for $1,000 and the award will be distributed at the annual spring SOMA convention.