The EVMS Foundation's contribution, combined with $682,000 raised from supporters throughout Hampton Roads by the L.D. Britt, MD, Scholarship Committee, brings the fund's total to $900,000 and enables it to operate as a self-sustaining, endowed scholarship. One minority EVMS student in each year of the four-year medical program will receive a L.D. Britt, MD, Scholarship. The amount of  support will be based on the fund's principal balance. At this point, each scholarship is expected to be $10,000.

"It has always been our goal to have the scholarship be able to be given out in perpetuity," said L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, chair and Brickhouse Professor of surgery. "I'm thrilled that EVMS has supported this goal, and I want to thank the leadership of the school - particularly President Lester and the Board of Trustees - for having this vision."

The Britt Scholarship aims to inspire, support, and encourage talented young people to excel in both medicine and community service. The coming years will bring a growing need for more minority doctors. By 2050, racial and ethnic minorities will comprise half of the U.S. population, but they make up only 6 percent of practicing physicians today. Studies show that greater diversity in medical education results in more physicians practicing in underserved communities, more culturally competent care and better patient-doctor communication. Increasing diversity is a key priority at EVMS, as stated in its new strategic plan. This scholarship is an important step toward that goal.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the tireless work of the Britt Committee members," EVMS President Harry T. Lester said. "Their vision and leadership has created much-needed opportunities for students, and I sincerely thank each of them for realizing the dream of a permanent scholarship fund for minority students at EVMS."

"The Britt Scholarship's success is a testament to the committee and to the community," said Bob Aston, president and chair of the EVMS Foundation. "I'm proud that we could be a part of creating a lasting source of financial relief for talented aspiring physicians."

More about the Britt Scholarship.