Highlight on Scholarships

Blue Bird Auxiliary Scholarship Gives Wings to Medical Students
Volunteer requirements substantiate service as an integral part of a medical career.

Service to others was the call that created the Blue Birds of Laurel Heights United Methodist Church in 1921. Since then, Blue Birds have been involved in community service—first at the Methodist Mission Home—and later at cancer clinics and hospitals. As of 2006, Blue Bird volunteers are assisting patients and their families at all the San Antonio Medical Center Methodist Hospitals. In addition, the Blue Bird Auxiliary Scholarship Fund at the San Antonio Area Foundation awards scholarships to deserving students who have received a bachelor's degree in a specific medical discipline and are seeking graduate degrees at an accredited college or university in a medical field.

An applicant must also be a Blue Bird. Jeff Davis, a 2007 scholarship recipient, spent his volunteer hours escorting patients to and from appointments and tests. Davis’ desire to continue medical school was reinforced by being in the hospital environment and working with patients. "I feel that my time as a volunteer really helped to confirm that medical school was right for me," said Davis, a student at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Davis added, "Medical students typically acquire a large amount of debt. I am grateful the Blue Bird scholarship can defray a substantial amount of the incurred costs."