College of Medicine

February 2014

In return for promising to work at least three years in an underserved area, fourth-year students Alyson Lewis and Brett Thomas will each receive $120,000 to help repay their academic loans — thanks to the National Health Service Corps Students to Service Program.

They will receive four $30,000 payments, beginning this summer and continuing each summer for the first three years of residency. After they complete their residency, they must engage in three years of full-time or six years of half-time clinical practice at one or more NHSC-approved service sites in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) of greatest need.

“This award is definitely a blessing in my life,” said Lewis, who is at the Daytona Beach regional campus. “When I first read the email, I literally shed tears of joy and thanked God.”

Suzanne Harrison, director of family medicine education, nominated Lewis. Here is an excerpt from her letter: “Alyson was economically disadvantaged as a youth and maintains a strong commitment to caring for the underserved. She is a young woman who will continue to offer care for those with limited access to care in any capacity possible, and this is evidenced through her long history of civic and professional volunteerism. As a family physician, she will be an excellent primary care provider and will likely be a leader in her community.”

Thomas, who has spent Years 3 and 4 at the Tallahassee regional campus, called the award the best of both worlds.

“I always had a certain understanding that after medical school it was going to take diligence and financial responsibility to pay off my loans regardless of the chosen specialty and location,” he said. “So the fact that I can do something I'm passionate about (and would have done anyway) and receive the financial assistance is absolutely amazing! My wife and I feel very blessed.”

Associate Dean Helen Livingston nominated Thomas. This is part of what she wrote: “His service to the community, his fellow students and the College of Medicine is extraordinary. Despite all the accolades and accomplishments, Brett remains a humble and compassionate man whom I am proud to know. He … will be one of our future leaders in medicine and one of our best practicing physicians.”

Lewis and Thomas are not the first College of Medicine students to achieve recognition from this competitive program. Tanya Anim (Class of 2010) and Komal D’Souza (Class of 2011) were awarded NHSC scholarships.