National Medical Fellowships (NMF) was founded in 1946 by Dr. Franklin C. McLean, a distinguished physician and professor at the University of Chicago. Recognizing the limited opportunities available to African American physicians at the time, Dr. McLean established NMF to provide scholarships and support to underrepresented medical students, aiming to promote equality in medical education and healthcare access.
Since its inception, NMF has awarded over $45 million in financial assistance to more than 32,000 students underrepresented in medicine. The organization’s mission is to improve the health of underserved communities by increasing the representation of minority physicians, educators, researchers and policymakers in the United States.
NMF achieves this through scholarships based on merit and financial need, as well as service-learning programs that provide hands-on opportunities to deliver healthcare in communities lacking adequate medical services.
NMF’s commitment to diversity extends beyond scholarships. The organization offers programs that diversify the leaders of clinical research and ensure inclusive enrollment of trial participants. By training minority medical students to address the special needs of their communities and educating the public and policymakers about the public health problems and needs of underserved populations, NMF plays a pivotal role in advancing health equity.
In recent years, NMF has expanded its strategy to further its mission. The organization celebrated its 75th anniversary by honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to health equity. This milestone reflects NMF’s ongoing dedication to supporting scholars seeking to serve in critical roles within the healthcare workforce, thereby addressing the health-wealth gap and ensuring better health outcomes for all communities.
Under the leadership of Michellene Davis, Esq., who assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2021, NMF continues to build upon its legacy. Ms. Davis brings a wealth of experience in healthcare and policy, having been recognized among Modern Healthcare magazine’s Top 25 Most Influential Minority Leaders in Healthcare.
Her vision aligns with NMF’s mission to broaden pathways to medical education for underrepresented communities and to ensure the future success of medical students and practitioners committed to achieving better health for everyone.
Degree Level
The National Medical Fellowships (NMF) 2025 program provides scholarships for medical students pursuing graduate-level education in various universities across the United States. These financial aids are structured to support students at different stages of their medical education, ensuring that promising professionals receive the support they need to complete their degrees.
Available Fields of Study
The scholarships under NMF cover several disciplines within the healthcare sector, providing opportunities for students who are passionate about contributing to the medical field. The primary areas of study that fall under this scholarship program include:
- Medical Sciences
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
By offering financial assistance in these disciplines, NMF aims to cultivate a diverse healthcare workforce that can address the medical challenges faced by disadvantaged communities.
Scholarship Benefits and Application Cycles
Each scholarship within the National Medical Fellowships comes with a unique set of benefits. Below is an outline of the financial aid amounts, eligibility requirements and the focus areas of each available award:
Scholarship Opportunities for First Application Cycle (January 13, 2025 – February 23, 2025)
Dr. Nathalie Johnson Scholarship
- Award Amount: $25,000
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to medical students who are currently enrolled in a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)-accredited MD program in the state of Oregon. Preference is given to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate significant financial need.
- Focus Area: The scholarship seeks to promote health equity, particularly in addressing disparities in Black maternal healthcare and mortality rates.
Dr. Theodore Quincy Miller Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is exclusively for African American male medical students who are enrolled in an LCME-accredited MD program within the United States.
- Focus Area: The award recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership qualities and a dedication to community service.
Dr. William Merrill Scholarship
- Award Amount: $7,500
- Eligibility Criteria: Available to underrepresented medical students attending an accredited medical school in the United States. Preference is given to students attending a public medical school or an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) medical school.
- Focus Area: This scholarship prioritizes students with a demonstrated interest in healthcare issues affecting rural populations.
Additional Application Cycles
For students who miss the first cycle or wish to apply for different scholarships, there are subsequent opportunities to submit applications throughout the year:
- Cycle 2: April 7, 2025 – May 18, 2025
- Cycle 3: June 30, 2025 – August 10, 2025
- Cycle 4: September 22, 2025 – November 2, 2025
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the official National Medical Fellowships website to explore further scholarship opportunities that may be available in future application cycles.
Eligible Nationalities
The National Medical Fellowships 2025 program is exclusively available to U.S. domestic students. Only those who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are eligible to apply.
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for any of the NMF scholarship programs, applicants must fulfill the following general eligibility requirements:
- Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients.
- Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level healthcare program at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate a significant financial need.
- Commitment to Underserved Communities: Applicants must exhibit strong leadership skills and a dedication to serving medically underserved communities.
Application Process
Students interested in applying for an NMF scholarship must complete the following steps:
- Create an Account: Applicants must first register an account on the designated scholarship application platform, SurveyMonkey Apply.
- Complete the Eligibility Form: Before proceeding with their application, students must fill out an eligibility questionnaire to determine which scholarships they qualify for.
- Apply for Relevant Opportunities: Once eligibility is confirmed, the system will automatically populate a list of scholarships that the applicant is eligible to apply for.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit a set of required documents to verify their qualifications, financial standing and commitment to medical service. These documents include:
- Student Aid Report (SAR) – A report detailing the student’s financial need.
- Documentation of Loan History – A record of any existing educational loans.
- Official Financial Aid Award Offer – A formal letter from the applicant’s educational institution outlining their current financial aid status.
- Professional School Transcript – A transcript confirming enrollment in an accredited medical program.
- Proof of Citizenship or DACA Status – Official documentation verifying the applicant’s citizenship or residency status.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume – A professional resume outlining the applicant’s educational background, work experience and community service activities.
- Letter(s) of Recommendation – At least one recommendation letter from a professor, mentor or professional in the medical field who can vouch for the applicant’s qualifications and dedication to healthcare service.
Application Deadlines
Applicants should take note of the following scholarship application deadlines:
- Cycle 1: January 13, 2025 – February 23, 2025
- Cycle 2: April 7, 2025 – May 18, 2025
- Cycle 3: June 30, 2025 – August 10, 2025
- Cycle 4: September 22, 2025 – November 2, 2025
It is advisable for applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure their documents are processed in time.
More Information and How to Apply
For comprehensive details regarding each scholarship opportunity, applicants should visit the official National Medical Fellowships Scholarships and Awards page. This portal contains updated information on eligibility criteria, financial benefits and the application process.
Official Application Link:
Pursuing a medical career is both an ambitious and rewarding endeavor. However, financial barriers often deter many talented students from achieving their dreams. The National Medical Fellowships (NMF) program is dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented students receive the necessary support to thrive in their medical education and ultimately contribute meaningfully to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
By securing an NMF scholarship, students can lessen the financial burden of medical school and gain recognition for their leadership, academic excellence and commitment to healthcare equity.
Aspiring applicants are encouraged to explore all available scholarships and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid. The medical field needs diverse, passionate and committed professionals and NMF is here to help students achieve their full potential.
For those who qualify, this is a remarkable opportunity to advance their medical education while making a lasting impact on healthcare accessibility and quality across the United States.