COLLIER COUNTY — The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2022 Foundation Healthcare Scholarship awards: Aline Dort, Rebecca Henkind, Juliana Pena Lopez, and Emma Stock. Each student will receive a scholarship ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

The final tally of 2022 scholarship awards given by the Foundation is over $24,500, which also includes the $12,500 award given to Yordan Urrutia, recipient of the Foundation’s 2022 Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students, announced in June.

The Foundation of CCMS healthcare scholarships are for students who are Florida residents enrolled or accepted into a healthcare degree program, with awards based on need, academic performance, and community involvement.

“The Foundation selected these scholarship winners from a pool of highly distinguished healthcare students,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Foundation Chair. “Our scholarships are made possible by generous Foundation donors and sponsors whose contributions have given us the opportunity to provide financial aid to our future medical professionals.”

Ms. Dort is an Immokalee High School graduate, and recently graduated with a master’s degree (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) from Florida State University. “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to share my life’s story and it has motivated me to work even harder in achieving my goals, dreams, and aspirations. Thank you for being a part of my journey towards becoming a licensed mental health counselor!”

Ms. Henkind is a Community School of Naples graduate, and a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, class of 2024. “As I have gained more experience in the medical field, I have become increasingly passionate about healthcare equity. The generosity of the Foundation of CCMS has alleviated some of the financial burden of pursuing an advanced degree and will enable me to further pursue my public health interests in the future.”

Ms. Pena Lopez is a Cape Coral High School graduate, and a medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine, class of 2026. “The path to a career in medicine has many challenges. However, these are greatly alleviated by generous organizations like yours. As an aspiring physician, it is my main goal to advocate for underserved communities in Florida and work towards alleviating health disparities and reaching health equity.”

Ms. Stock is a Lakewood Ranch High School graduate, and in the Physical Therapy program at Florida Gulf Coast University, class of 2024. “This award has not only helped me, but also my future patients. I cannot express my gratitude enough and will happily accept the scholarship. I am honored and appreciate the Foundation and your help in supporting my professional journey.”

The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament on September 24, 2022 will help raise funds for its scholarship program and local healthcare programs in need. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization launched by the Collier County Medical Society in 2012, with the mission to provide support and leadership to programs that address access to healthcare and promote health education. More information on supporting the Foundation and its scholarships is available at ccmsfoundation.org.