Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation Founder's Scholarship

*Founders’ Scholarship Criteria *
The Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation (TOMF) offers Founders’ Scholarships to third-year osteopathic medical students who have established ties to Southern Arizona and an interest in practicing in the region in the future.

Up to five scholarships for $10,000 each will be awarded to eligible third-year osteopathic medical students selected by the Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation. The Founders’ Scholarships are intended to help reduce the cost of medical education while supporting future osteopathic physicians with meaningful connections to Southern Arizona and promoting the rich and enduring heritage of osteopathic medicine in the region.

*ELIGIBILITY *
1. Third-Year Osteopathic Medical Student – Applicants must be enrolled in their third year seeking a DO degree at any college of osteopathic medicine in the United States.
2. Established Ties to Southern Arizona – Applicants must have lived in one or more of the seven southernmost counties of Arizona for a cumulative minimum of two years prior to beginning medical school. The seven southernmost counties are: Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma. Official Arizona residency as defined by the state government is not required. Clinical rotations alone do not satisfy the Southern Arizona ties requirement.
3. Southern Arizona Clinical Rotation – Applicants must have completed, be currently completing, or be scheduled to complete at least one clinical rotation during their third year in one of the seven southernmost counties of Arizona.
4. Academic Standing – Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better OR be in good academic standing if their college of osteopathic medicine utilizes pass/fail grading.
5. Educational Funding – Applicants whose medical school tuition and living expenses are fully funded by an outside source are not eligible to receive a Founders’ Scholarship. Applicants receiving partial educational assistance remain eligible, provided they otherwise meet all scholarship eligibility requirements.

*APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS *
Applicants must:
1. Complete the Founders’ Scholarship application at tomf.org/scholarships, including information necessary to verify eligibility based on the applicant’s ties to Southern Arizona and third-year clinical rotation in the region.
2. Upload a transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better OR documentation from the applicant’s medical school confirming good academic standing.
3. Upload a brief personal biography highlighting accomplishments, interests, service, leadership and connection to Southern Arizona. (250 words maximum)
4. Upload an essay responding to the Founders’ Scholarship question. (500 words maximum) To help maintain anonymity during the review process, please try not to include your name or other identifying information in your essay.

Applicants must complete the online application and upload all required documents by December 14, 2026. Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to Nicole Struck, Executive Director, at nicole@tomf.org.