Pritzker News
AMA Chooses Second-Year Student Rashad Belin, PhD as one of 12 AMA Foundation Minority Scholars
Rashad Belin, PhD, MS2
May 29, 2009—Rashad Belin, PhD, a second-year student at the Pritzker School of Medicine, has been selected as one of just 12 medical students throughout the country to receive a Minority Scholars Award by the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation. Rashad was lauded by the AMA for his “commit[ment] to serving the same Chicago community in which he was raised through volunteer work at the local free clinic, and health-oriented community fairs to educate south-side residents on the health issues that disproportionately affect minorities, all while maintaining a family with two young sons.” William McDade, MD, PhD, Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs, stated of Rashad, “He is becoming the consummate scientist, scholar, and teacher. I am certain that he has the ability to be a leader in the field and make substantial contributions to medicine, scholarship and the care of patients.”
The Minority Scholars Award, given in collaboration with the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium, with support from Pfizer Inc, promotes diversity in the medical profession and helps with the rapidly rising cost of medical education. The awards recognize scholastic achievement, financial need, and commitment to improving minority health among first or second-year medical students in groups defined as historically underrepresented in the medical profession. Less than seven percent of U.S. physicians fall within these groups, which include African American/Black, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino.
“We are pleased to recognize the accomplishments of Rashad Belin and to provide him with substantial financial assistance for medical school,” said Jean Howard, AMA Foundation President. “His academic achievements as well as a variety of activities in his community speak to his commitment to positively impact the health of minority populations and the health care system in the United States.”
Visit www.amafoundation.org to learn more.
