United Health Foundation/NMF Diverse Medical Scholars Program

Established in 2013, the United Health Foundation (UHF) has partnered with National Medical Fellowships (NMF) to offer the Diverse Medical Scholars Program.

This is a service-learning program designed to increase the number of qualified medical providers who have a commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in medically underserved communities. This program is a renewable opportunity through 2025 that provides a $7,000 award to qualified medical students. Selected Scholars will be enrolled in a medical school for the 2023-2024 academic year located in the U.S., identify as a student underrepresented in medicine, and have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to underserved communities. All Scholars are required to complete a 200-hour self-directed community health project with a community site of their choice. 

2024 applications will be part of the Service Learning Program General Application, open June 17 - August 12, 2024 11:59 pm ET

Program Structure and Timeline

Scholars will be required to complete their program requirements between December 2023 and June 2024. Program requirements include:

  • 200 service-learning hours with a community site of choice located in an underserved community
  • Orientation Participation (December 2023)
  • Written Report on Community Health Project (April 2024 – June, 2024)
  • Poster Creation displayed at Culminating Event (April 2024 – June, 2024)
  • PowerPoint Creation (April 2024 – June, 2024)
  • Virtual Culminating Event (June 2024)
  • Evaluation – Pre- and Post-Program Surveys (Scholar & Mentor)

Scholar Eligibility


Ethnicity/Race: Underrepresented in Medicine

  • African American/Black
  • Afro-Latino
  • Cambodian
  • Hispanic/Latino
  • Native American
  • Native Hawaiian
  • Pacific Islander
  • Vietnamese

Gender: Any

School State: All

Enrolled Program: DO, DO/PhD, MD, MD/PhD

About the United Health Foundation

Guided by a passion to help people live healthier lives, United Health Foundation (UHF) provides helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities. The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well-being of communities.