Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical Diversity Scholarship Program

The Buckfire Law Scholarship Committee is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship.

The scholarship, established in 2014, is part of the law firm’s initiative to recognize medical school students who do outstanding work to promote ethnic diversity in their community.

The funds are to be used toward his or her continued education in medical school. The scholarship is available to all medical school students in the United States who work hard to promote ethnic diversity in their communities.

The scholarship will award $2,000 to one student selected by our scholarship selection committee.

Medical Diversity Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant is a member of an ethnic, racial, or other minority or any individual who demonstrates a defined commitment to issues of diversity within their community.
• Applicant is a U.S. citizen currently attending an accredited medical school within the United States.
• Academic achievement as reflected by a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed at least one semester of classes at an accredited medical school.

Medical Diversity Scholarship Applications Requirements

In order to apply for the Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. 2021 Medical School Diversity Scholarship Program, an applicant must submit the following items on or before Oct. 1, 2021:

• A completed scholarship application form. (Located at the bottom of page).
• A one page typed essay describing how you have utilized your time promoting ethnic diversity within your community. Alternatively, you may write about how you will use your medical degree to promote ethnic diversity in the future.
• A certified, official copy of medical school transcript.

2020 Medical Diversity Scholarship Winner: Teguru Tembo, SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Tembo found his passion for advocating for those whose native language is not English when he worked as a teacher in inner-city Los Angeles. While working with students of other cultures and other backgrounds, he experienced firsthand the impact of language. He communicated in Spanish to his Spanish-speaking students and their parents, and he was able to re-engage these students and provide them with much-needed support.

Those who do not speak English face difficulties and barriers when it comes to medical care, according to Tembo. It’s not uncommon for non-English speaking individuals to feel apprehensive about seeking medical attention which often leads to having health issues go unaddressed until it becomes emergent, Tembo said.

During his work in community health clinics and by learning and speaking multiple languages, Tembo has been able to connect and engage with more patients, which allows them the same access and medical support as English speakers.

Past Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical Diversity Scholarship Winners

• 2020: Teguru Tembo, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
• 2019: Kylee Kus, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
• 2018: Tshibambe Tshimbombu, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
• 2017: Haidang Nguyen, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
• 2016: Rachel Lewis, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• 2015: Adriana Lopez, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
• 2014: Quynh Le, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine