The Dr. Edward Leitão Memorial Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for scholarships from Portuguese-American medical students and physicians in training, following the fund’s goal of filling the need among the community for Portuguese-speaking medical professionals. The fund is offering up to two scholarships of $1,500 each, and the deadline for submission of applications is November 15, 2016, at 5PM EST.
To be considered for these scholarships, applicants are required to submit a cover Letter addressed to Dr. Edward Leitão Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee, describing their language and cultural connections to the Portuguese-American community and how they envision making a difference in this community once they become doctors. Students are also required to submit Undergraduate and Medical School GPA’s with transcripts; MCAT and USMLE score reports, as applicable, along with two Letters of Recommendation from medical school or residency faculty.
“Even though these are symbolic scholarships, we are very happy to be able to, for the first time, offer financial support and inspire future Portuguese-speaking doctors who are willing to serve our community,” said Dr. Helena Santos Martins, member of the Fund Committee.
This Scholarship Fund was created in 2015 in the name of the much-loved and highly respected physician, who passed away after an eight-year struggle with cancer on February 4, 2015. Dr. Leitão served at the Cambridge Health Alliance for several decades as a well-respected internist and medical director, caring for many patients in the Portuguese-speaking community of the Cambridge area. The Fund is managed by the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) and more information is available at www.maps-inc.org, where donations can also be made online to support the initiative.
The Advisory Committee plans to announce the scholarship recipients by the end of December and present the scholarships at a benefit event which is being planned for January of 2017. Applications can be submitted to: Ms. Lucinda Morais, MAPS Administrative Manager, lmorais@maps-inc.org, or via regular mail to: Dr. Edward Leitão Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Ms. Lucinda Morais, Administrative Manager, MAPS 1046 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
MAPS has provided health and social services for Portuguese speakers and others in Massachusetts since 1970. The agency has offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Dorchester, Lowell and Framingham. For more information, please call (617) 864-7600 or visit www.maps-inc.org.
Source: Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)
