Empowered Resident Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by PracticeMatch
Overview
Description: The PracticeMatch Empowered Resident Scholarship recognizes medical trainees who demonstrate community involvement and a commitment to caring for others. Entrants must submit a curriculum vitae and an original essay of at least 500 words describing their inspiration for a medical career and how they plan to improve their community. The winning essay will be published on the PracticeMatch website and shared on PracticeMatch social media channels.
Who should apply: Current medical students, residents, and fellows who are enrolled at the time of the contest deadline and located in the United States.
- Scholarship supports trainees who show dedication to community care.
- Submission requires a CV and an original, 500+ word essay.
- Winning entry will be published and promoted by PracticeMatch.
Eligibility
Eligibility: The contest is open to students enrolled in a medical school, residency program, or fellowship in the United States, except where void or prohibited by law. Verification of enrollment will be required for all winning entrants. Financial need is not a requirement for entry; selection is based on the quality of the essay.
Grade level and restrictions: One entry per student is allowed. Essays must be solely the work of the entrant and must not infringe on third-party intellectual property.
- Open to current medical students, residents, and fellows in the U.S.
- Entrants must be enrolled at the contest deadline; winners will be verified.
- One submission per student; plagiarism results in disqualification.
Award and Application Timeline
Award Value: The contest awards one winner a $2,000 scholarship to be applied toward their education. The award is intended to help offset the cost of medical training and support trainees’ community-focused goals.
Application Timeline: Submissions are due by December 4, 2026; a winner will be announced on January 8, 2027. The winning essay will be posted on the PracticeMatch website and shared via social media following the announcement.
- $2,000 scholarship awarded to one winner.
- Submission deadline: December 4, 2026.
- Winner announced: January 8, 2027; winner’s essay will be published.
Evaluation and Judges
Selection Criteria: Essays are judged for clarity, articulation, logical organization, and an outstanding grasp of the value of caring for others through a medical career. Judges evaluate the entrant’s ability to express and validate their perspective, not whether PracticeMatch agrees with the contestant’s views.
Judging panel: The judging panel comprises the PracticeMatch executive team and departmental directors who assess entries based on the stated criteria. Judges have discretion to extend contest deadlines when appropriate.
- Judging emphasizes clear, well-organized, and persuasive writing.
- Evaluation focuses on demonstrated commitment to caring for others.
- PracticeMatch executives and departmental directors serve as judges.
Submission Rules
How to enter: No formal application form is required. Entrants must submit a CV and an essay in English; essays must be at least 500 words and double-spaced. Submissions may be uploaded online or mailed; mailed entries must include a stapled cover sheet with the entrant’s name, address, email, phone number, and the name of their program or medical school.
Other requirements: Spelling errors and written corrections may count against the entry; one entry per student is allowed. Essays must be postmarked or submitted online by 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on the due date. Entrants agree to indemnify PracticeMatch for claims related to third-party rights, and plagiarism will result in disqualification.
- Essay: English, ≥500 words, double-spaced; include CV.
- Mailed submissions must include a stapled cover sheet with contact and program information.
- Submit online or postmarked by 11:59 PM PST on the deadline; judges may grant extensions if appropriate.
History of the Award
Background: PracticeMatch has provided education and career resources to physicians since 1990. In 2017, PracticeMatch established the Empowered Resident Scholarship to support residents and fellows pursuing community-centered medical practice.
Purpose: The scholarship was created to recognize and assist trainees who demonstrate a strong commitment to patient care and community service, helping to reduce educational costs while promoting compassionate medical careers.
- PracticeMatch: supporting physicians since 1990.
- Empowered Resident Scholarship launched in 2017 to aid trainees.
- Designed to honor community involvement and dedication to care.