College of Medicine

September 2014

Nine first- and second-year College of Medicine students were awarded scholarships totaling $40,000 this month by the Capital Medical Society Foundation.

These are the students, in alphabetical order: Allison Ellis (Class of 2017), Jennica Hagberg (2017), Samuel Muniz (2018), William Nimmons (2017), Nwamaka Onyeozili (2017), Chirag Patel (2017), Thomas Shakar (2017), Drew Williams (2018) and Israel Wootton (2017).

The scholarship recipients were chosen by a committee of Capital Medical Society members, led by Tallahassee pediatrician Frank Walker.

“Attending medical school is a very expensive proposition these days,” Walker said. “My fellow physicians are pleased and proud to help support medical students who have not only a financial need but a desire to stay in Florida and practice medicine in Florida.”

Wootton said the CMS scholarship has been a tremendous financial help to him, his wife and their three young children.

“To switch careers in my late 20s from architecture to medicine was a leap of faith,” he said. “My wife and I understood that this decision would take a financial toll for many years to come. In fact, we couldn’t do it without the support of those around us. I am overwhelmed by the kindness and support I have received. Tallahassee has been my home for the past 16 years. I am truly honored and grateful for the outpouring of support from Capital Medical Society and the Tallahassee community.”

The Capital Medical Society Foundation has been awarding these scholarships since before the medical school was created. Pam Wilson, executive director, looked up the totals:

• The foundation awarded 14 scholarships to students in FSU's Program in Medical Sciences, the predecessor of the College of Medicine, totaling $20,889.

• So far, it has awarded 114 scholarships to College of Medicine students, totaling $357,000.

"Several of the physicians who were recipients of scholarships over the years," Wilson said, "serve on the Scholarship Committee."

In December, the foundation will host its annual Holiday Auction to raise money for more medical school scholarships.