PPN SMP Scholarship

The PPN SMP Scholarship of $7000 will be awarded to one SMP student for the payment of Spring semester tuition. The scholarship, which is designed to help students in their pursuit of a career in medicine, is based on academic standing.

2025 PPN SMP Scholarship Recipient: Sophia Stanisic

Sophia Stanisic completed Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish from the University of Virginia in 2025.  During a AHA/CCHMC SURF HEART program, she explored vascular health and cardiac development with advisors Drs. Waxman and Martin.  As an undergrad, she completed an award-winning, Distinguished Major Thesis on combination therapies for colorectal cancer metastases.  She was introduced to cardio-oncology during a shadowing experience and is attracted to the advantages afforded a patient by collaboration across disciplines such as occurs with this specialty.  She works as a medical assistant while excelling in the SMP program.  Sophia returns to the University of Virginia this coming Fall where she has been accepted to medical school. There she will continue her work to become a compassionate, research-driven cardio-oncologist. 

 “Physicians have the unique privilege of translating the world of scientific medicine to clinical experiences that support patients. There is much more to being a physician than providing diagnosis and treatment, as great physicians are those who are able to understand their patients and provide care that respects the patients’ values and health goals. I strive to be a physician that looks to listen and incorporate the perspective of each patient into their care plan.” (from her SMP application letter)

How to Apply:

Submit a single page PDF to Tracy Yarchi by 5PM on May 1, 2026 including:

• A brief description of your career aspirations
• A description of the personal experiences that explain your motivation for and commitment to a career in medicine (e.g., What have you experienced that makes you want to be a physician, as opposed to some other health care-related career? What experience do you have that demonstrates that you know what you are getting into?).
• Permission for the committee to view your SMP admissions packet, your current SMP academic record, and your Financial Aid ‘need’ score

You will be considered for both the Dr. Robert O. Banks Endowed Scholarship and the PPN SMP Scholarship with this one application. Submit your application for those scholarships when applying to the SMP program and by May 1st. For the Banks Scholarship, which is based in part on financial need, turn in your FASFA by April 20th at the latest. Recipients will be notified by May 10th. The scholarship will be applied directly to Spring semester tuition and will be contingent on the recipient maintaining a high academic standing and a professional manner.

Questions? Reach out to Tracy Yarchi for more information.