Northwest Osteopathic Foundation Programs

Get Up, Get Involved!

Our osteopathic fundraising programs at Northwest Osteopathic Foundation encompass a diverse range of initiatives aimed at promoting access to holistic healthcare throughout the Northwest, US. We strive to cultivate a network of partnerships, uplift underserved areas, and empower compassionate leaders, all while championing equitable healthcare access in the region.

Send Us a Message$

Scholarships, Grants, & Programs

The Northwest Osteopathic Foundation is dedicated to supporting the Osteopathic profession by offering scholarships and funding for special projects and programs. The Foundation’s Board of Directors, committee members, and staff are proud to contribute to its mission through these efforts.

Doc E. L. Burnham Wonderful World

Since 2004, the Northwest Osteopathic Foundation has provided tuition assistance scholarships in memory of the beloved Doc E.L. Burnham. His friends and family initially raised over $10,000 to ensure that a $1,000 annual scholarship would be awarded in his name. each year. Inspired by Doc Burnham’s morning mantra—“Oh, what a wonderful day!”—the Wonderful World Scholarship Fund was created. Thanks to generous donors, the Foundation has now been able to award a $10,000 scholarship each year for over a decade, helping osteopathic medical students pursue their dreams.

Shirley Carpenter Scholarship

The Foundation is honored to steward the Shirley Carpenter Endowed Scholarship Fund, celebrating the incredible impact Shirley had on the osteopathic medical profession throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of the Montana Osteopathic Medical Association and many dedicated individuals, this fund provides an annual scholarship to support an osteopathic medical student from Montana, continuing Shirley’s legacy of passion and service.

Supporting Future Physicians for Alaska Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to an osteopathic medical student from Alaska who is committed to returning to the state to practice medicine and serve Alaskan communities. The recipient should demonstrate a dedication to addressing the unique healthcare needs of Alaska’s diverse and often rural populations. Preference may be given to students with a strong connection to the state, experience in community service, and a passion for improving healthcare access in Alaska.

Supporting Future Osteopathic Physicians Committed to LGBTQ+ Healthcare Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to an osteopathic medical student who demonstrates a strong commitment to providing compassionate, inclusive, and affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ communities. Applicants should show a dedication to addressing healthcare disparities, advocating for equitable access to care, and integrating osteopathic principles in their approach to patient-centered medicine. Preference may be given to students with experience in LGBTQ+ health initiatives, community service, advocacy, or research.

General Scholarship

Information coming soon!

Floyd Henry Jr., DO Scholarship Endowment Fund

In 2002, family and friends came together to create the Floyd Henry Jr., DO Scholarship Endowment Fund, a tribute to an extraordinary physician whose impact on osteopathic medicine continues to inspire. “No one stood taller in the osteopathic profession than Floyd E. Henry Jr., DO. I’ve never known a doctor more respected by his patients and peers.” — William Chambers, Former President of Eastmoreland Hospital Dr. Henry’s skill, compassion, and dedication set a standard of excellence that continues to shape the future of osteopathic medicine. Through this scholarship, his legacy lives on—empowering the next generation of exceptional physicians.

Northwest Osteopathic Women’s Scholarship

In 2006, B.E. “Genie” Willis, D.O., had a vision—to empower and support female osteopathic medical students. That’s why she established the Northwest Osteopathic Women’s Scholarship Fund, and we are honored to carry that vision forward. Each year, this fund provides a $10,000 scholarship to a deserving female student from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, helping them pursue their dreams in osteopathic medicine.

Advancing Healthcare in Historically Underserved Communities Scholarship

This scholarship supports an osteopathic medical student from a historically underserved community who is dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes for similarly underserved populations. The recipient should demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, advocating for health equity, and applying osteopathic principles to patient-centered care. Preference may be given to students with experience in community service, public health initiatives, advocacy, or research focused on underserved communities.

Investing in Washington’s Future Physicians Scholarship

The Investing in Washington’s Future Physicians Scholarship supports osteopathic medical students dedicated to practicing in Washington State. This scholarship is designed for students who are passionate about addressing healthcare disparities, improving access to quality care, and advocating for the well-being of diverse and underserved communities, including Washington’s Tribal Nations.

2024 Scholarship Awardees

Alaska Osteopathic Scholarship - Mallori Allen

Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of South Central Alaska, Mallori Allen grew up exploring Palmer’s rugged backcountry and witnessing the resilience of its close-knit communities. These experiences fueled her passion for service, especially to Alaska’s large veteran population. Now a medical student in Boise, Idaho, Mallori is on a dedicated path to becoming an osteopathic physician, drawn to its whole-person approach to healing—mind, body, and spirit.

A third-generation Army service member, she was inspired by the stories of sacrifice shared by her father and fellow soldiers. Their dedication drives her commitment to serving veterans and military communities through compassionate, holistic care.

Her mission is clear: to return to Alaska, honor those who shaped her, and provide exceptional care to those who need it most.

Doc E. L. Burnham Wonderful World Scholarship - Samantha Bowen

A third-year medical student at Western University College of the Pacific Northwest, Samantha Bowen is dedicated to serving underserved and rural communities through osteopathic medicine. Originally from Tigard, Oregon, she earned her BA in Biology from Lewis & Clark College in 2020, where she competed in cross-country and track and studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain.

Samantha believes in holistic, whole-person care and has applied this philosophy as a medical assistant and Spanish interpreter at InReach Medical Clinic. She also gives back by coaching cross-country and track, mentoring pre-med students from underrepresented backgrounds, and working with people experiencing homelessness.

Committed to health equity and advocacy, she participates in Kaiser Permanente’s Integrated Healthcare program, the AHEC Scholars Program, and the Oregon Medical Association’s JEDI committee.

Washington Osteopathic Foundation Scholarship - Derek McClune, OMS II

A second-year medical student at Rocky Vista University – Southern Utah, Derek McClune is dedicated to rural healthcare and plans to serve Wenatchee as a family physician or orthopedic surgeon. Enrolled in the Rural and Wilderness Medicine track, he prioritizes whole-person, accessible care.

His passion for service began during a two-year mission in Bolivia, where he led humanitarian projects and became fluent in Spanish, later working as a medical translator. A BYU graduate in Exercise Science, he competed in wrestling and rugby, deepening his understanding of human movement.

As his medical school’s Officer of Wellness, Derek promotes physical and mental well-being and coaches wrestling, mentoring young athletes. Inspired by his father, a physical therapist, he embraces osteopathic medicine’s holistic approach.

LGBTQIA Scholarship - Cambria Kasten (she/they)

A third-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences COMP-Northwest, Cambria Kasten is this year’s recipient of the LGBTQIA Scholarship. Passionate about inclusive, patient-centered medicine, they advocate for improving LGBTQIA healthcare through education, policy, and whole-person care.

A dedicated leader, Cambria has served in the Equality Alliance Club, White Coats for Black Lives, AMWA, Narrative Medicine, and the Emergency Medicine Interest Group. Their work with foster youth and leadership camps reflects a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities.

Grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Frances Spiller and Dr. Anna Hardin, Cambria extends heartfelt thanks to the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation for its support in fostering equitable, inclusive healthcare.

General Scholarship - Kiana Fincher

A third-year osteopathic medical student at COMP-NW and a Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholar, Kiana Fincher is dedicated to bringing holistic, whole-person care to rural communities. Raised in Southern Oregon, she aspires to return as a Family Physician, serving her hometown alongside her husband, Brandon, and their two young children, Blake (3) and Eli (1).

Kiana is deeply involved in shaping the future of osteopathic medicine. She serves as Student Director to COMP-NW on the Board of Directors at the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians and is an AHEC Scholar, receiving specialized training to support rural healthcare in the Pacific Northwest.

She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and mentors, including Dr. Gina Miller, MD. Grateful for the opportunities that have shaped her journey, Kiana extends her thanks to the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation for its scholarship and commitment to future physicians.

HUG (Historically Underrepresented Groups) Scholarship - Young Kyan Han

I am deeply grateful to the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation for this honor. As a first-generation immigrant from South Korea, I have called Washington State home since 2008, fueling my passion for osteopathic medicine and my commitment to serving underserved communities.

At the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, I discovered my passion for physiatry, aligning with osteopathic principles of whole-person care. As PM&R interest group president and a rehabilitation clinic volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how restoring function transforms lives.

I am dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in Washington, particularly for minority communities, by providing holistic, rehabilitative care that empowers patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Northwest Osteopathic Women’s Scholarship - Sarah Thomas

Sarah Thomas is a medical student at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest (COMP-NW) in Lebanon, OR. Born and raised in Medford, OR, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Oregon State University, where her passion for medicine and community care took root.

Deeply connected to the Pacific Northwest, she is committed to continuing her medical training in the region—both as a resident and future attending physician. With a strong belief in osteopathic medicine’s holistic and patient-centered approach, she aspires to build meaningful relationships with her patients and colleagues while delivering compassionate, whole-person care.

Outside of medicine, she loves spending time with family, friends, and her golden retrievers, as well as exploring the outdoors. She is excited for the road ahead and looks forward to giving back to the communities that shaped her.

Shirley Carpenter Scholarship - Julia Schearer, Medical Student at RVU

Originally from Great Falls, Montana, Julia Schearer is passionate about osteopathic medicine, health equity, and rural healthcare. A Montana State University graduate in Microbiology, she blends science and service in her medical journey.

At Rocky Vista University (RVU), Julia is a student ambassador, tutor, and ultrasound scholar, with leadership roles in the Emergency Medicine Residency Interest Club and Health Equity Club. As part of the Rural and Wilderness Medicine Track, she gains hands-on experience in austere and underserved environments. Her research contributions include developing a simulation model for epidural hematoma drainage.

Dedicated to community outreach, Julia serves as president of Helmet Heads, a nonprofit that provides 650+ free helmets annually to students at Title I schools, promoting preventative care—a core tenet of osteopathic medicine.

What This Scholarship Means

I am deeply grateful and humbled to have received a Northwest Osteopathic Scholarship—a generous award that has not only eased the financial burdens of pursuing my goals, but also reinforced my commitment to excellence. It serves as a constant reminder that I am never alone in my endeavors. This scholarship represents how we as a community of osteopathic physicians come together in order to support one another and I am extremely grateful for this.

As I continue through the journey of orthopedic surgery residency at Kettering Health in Dayton, Ohio, I carry with me the altruistic values and passion instilled in myself by my rural Montana roots. I am determined to use my skills and knowledge I have acquired to give back, ensuring that the same support I received continues to uplift others in their own pursuit. Upon completion of my training, my goal is to return to Montana with the ability to provide top-tier medical care, in order to give back to those who given to me. Thank you for this gracious scholarship and support, I am forever humbled to have been a recipient.

Darren B. Malek, PGY1
Grandview Orthopedic Surgery
Dayton, Ohio

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of the Scholarship Committee for their unwavering commitment to advancing the educational aspirations of our students. Your passion and diligence in reviewing numerous applications and selecting deserving recipients serve as the cornerstone of our commitment to fostering academic excellence. Thank you for your invaluable contributions in shaping the future of our scholars.