About the Academy of Medicine
The Wright State University Academy of Medicine is a community-based service organization dedicated to supporting excellence in medicine through education, research and service. The Academy contributes to student loans and scholarships, recognizes outstanding examples of professionalism, and provides opportunities for fellowship in the medical community. Since its founding in 1977, the Academy of Medicine has made a difference in the lives of students at Wright State University's Boonshoft School of Medicine. Thanks in part to the Academy's dedicated annual and life members, the school remains a catalyst for better health care by preparing outstanding physicians. The organization supports medical education through providing student loans and awarding student and faculty achievement. Through membership, the Academy has circulated $2 million in student loans — saving over 400 students the high costs of commercial loans. With loan repayments and Academy memberships, nearly $125,000 is being added to the pool annually. All this comes from an annual membership of $250. In addition, physicians in their residency qualify for a discounted associate membership of $50.
Annual Distinguished Guest Lecture & Dinner
Geography is destiny.
This simple phrase is woven like a thread through the tapestry of physician and best-selling author Abraham Verghese’s life and his work.
Abraham Verghese, M.D., MACP, professor for the theory and practice of medicine and senior associate chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine, was the keynote speaker at the 2013 Academy of Medicine Dinner to support scholarships for Wright State medical students. He also was featured at the annual Medical-Spirituality Conference.
Verghese is the author of My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story chosen as a Best Book of the Year by Time magazine and the best-selling book, The Tennis Partner: A Story of Friendship and Loss.
Read more in the Wright State Newsroom
Board of Trustees
Annette Chavez, M.D., Chair
Evangeline Andarsio, M.D.
Linda Barney, M.D.
Bruce Binder, M.D., Ph.D.
Marjorie Bowman, M.D., M.P.A., ex officio
Timothy Cope, Ph.D.
Mark Corcoran, M.D.
Jacob Deister, M.D.
Julie Gentile, M.D.
Vicki Giambrone, FACHE
Larry Lawhorne M.D.
John Lyman, M.D.
David Roer, M.D.
Student and Faculty Awards
Each year, the Academy of Medicine presents awards to outstanding students and faculty. The awards are presented each spring at the Annual Dinner, based upon academic achievement for the current year.
View the past winners of the Academy of Medicine Awards.
Low Interest Loan Program
The Academy of Medicine's low-interest loan program for Wright State medical students is one of the best available anywhere in the nation. It has the lowest interest rate (5 percent) and the longest deferral of payment (three years after graduation).
Since 1985, member-supported Academy programs have generated $2.5 million in simple-interest loans to over 400 Wright State medical students. Used strategically in place of more expensive loans that compound during medical school and residency, Academy loans have saved medical students $448,800 in additional debt burden. What's more, the Academy has a 99.8 percent pay back rate on its loans.
Scholarship Fund
The Academy of Medicine has created a new scholarship fund to address one of the Boonshoft School of Medicine's highest priorities: philanthropic support for scholarships. As the cost of attending medical school continues to climb nationwide, Boonshoft School of Medicine graduates are now entering residencies with an average debt of more than $174,000. This new scholarship fund was created to help reduce their reliance on costly loans to cover their tuition.
To contribute to the Academy of Medicine Scholarship Fund, make your gift online. For more information about the fund, contact Nicki Crellin at nicki.crellin@wright.edu or (937) 245-7628.
Join the Academy of Medicine
To join the Academy of Medicine, make your gift online.
- Life Membership - $1,000, plus $100 for each year under age 60
- Annual Membership - $250
- Associate Membership (Residents) - $50
For more information, contact Nicki Crellin at nicki.crellin@wright.edu or (937) 245-7628.
