This scholarship is offered to Penn Emergency Medicine residents as a memorial to Dr. Suzanne Shepherd for reimbursement for expenses incurred during international rotations or rotations with the IHS during residency.
Suzanne Moore Shepherd, MD, MS, DTM&H
1953-2022
Dr. Suzanne Shepherd, Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, was the inaugural Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 1995 – 2000, which was the first academic department of emergency medicine among the major prestigious universities of the US. Prior to that, she served as Residency Director at three other universities: University of Florida, Georgetown University, and East Carolina University. Dr. Shepherd published over 150 academic articles and lectured widely locally, nationally, and internationally by invitation more than 200 times. Her contributions to academic emergency medicine were felt nationally: as an associate editor of two editions of Harwood-Nuss, The Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine and in serving on committees of several national societies, including the Council of Emergency Residency Directors, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the Society of Teachers of Emergency Medicine, the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine, and the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The total amount of the scholarship for this application cycle is $1500 USD. Please review the scholarship requirements at the end of this application and ensure that you can adhere to these requirements before submission.
The deadlines for the application are April 15 and October 15 each year.
Application Form
2025 Spring Scholarship Winner
Nicole Karikari
My Indian Health Service (IHS) rotation at the Tuba City Regional Health Corporation was one of the most memorable rotations of residency. I spent 2 weeks working in the Tuba City ED, a ~20 bed Emergency Department in Northern Arizona, serving the Navajo, Hopi, and San-Juan Paiute communities. In addition to caring for patients on the reservation, we participated in lectures about the history of the tribes in the area and their initiatives to merge traditional healing practices with western medicine. This rotation also helped me practice making clinical decisions in a less resourced setting, where we often stabilized and transferred patients to outside health systems. I also had the opportunity to ride-along with the Navajo Nation EMS crew, who provide care for a large footprint in the region. During our ride along, I was able to see the various social determinates of health that affect patients in remote areas of the region, including access to running water and transportation limitations. This experience provided more context to caring for patients in the ED who may struggle to reach health care facilities, pick up medications, and/or follow up with their outpatient providers. I am profoundly grateful to the physicians, nurses, support staff, and patients in Tuba City who were all so welcoming and willing to teach, and to the Dr. Suzanne Shepherd Memorial Fund Scholarship for enabling me to have this experience during my training.
2024 Spring Scholarship Winner
Keiry Rodriguez
My experience during my Global Health elective was both eye-opening and humbling. I traveled to Guatemala to learn and to provide healthcare in Spanish in an under-resourced area where the local population spoke a Mayan dialect. I truly enjoyed immersing myself in the rich Mayan culture and learning about their beliefs through vibrant celebrations. Most importantly, I cherished my interactions with the native Tz’utujil people. One memorable encounter involved helping a family select glasses; the joy we shared reminded me of the profound impact that small gestures can have. Despite the challenges of advocating for improved medical protocols, I am determined to return and continue my efforts. Engaging with the community has highlighted the importance of resilience and positivity. I aspire to be better, cherishing every moment and honoring the strength of those I serve. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have received the Dr. Suzanne Shepherd Memorial Fund Scholarship, as it enabled me to provide care globally to under-resourced individuals. I am even more grateful that the scholarship provided me with the chance to have connected with my heritage and provide care to my people.
