The Colorado Medical Society (CMS) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Alfred D. Gilchrist Student Leader Scholarship. The application deadline is April 1, with scholarships to be awarded in May or June of 2026.
Applicants are required to detail their experience in organized medicine and must submit a personal statement of up to 500 words, a letter of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae. An optional headshot may also be included. Applications can be edited after submission, and if multiple applications are submitted, only the most recent will be considered final.
The Alfred D. Gilchrist Student Leader Scholarship Foundation was created in 2020 to recognize Mr. Gilchrist’s four decades of work advocating for physicians. Mr. Gilchrist previously served as CEO of CMS. The scholarship typically provides between $2,000 and $5,000 per recipient.
Eligibility is limited to third- and fourth-year medical students who have shown significant leadership in organized medicine. Those who have received the award before are not eligible to apply again. Preference will be given to students active with CMS or one of its component medical societies in Colorado.
To qualify, candidates must:
– Be full-time medical students in good standing at an accredited Colorado medical school.
– Have made notable contributions through leadership roles within organized medicine during their time as medical students; those connected with CMS will receive priority.
– Have completed at least two years of medical school.
– Not have previously received this scholarship.
“Scholarships will be awarded in May/June 2026.”
“The Alfred D. Gilchrist Student Leader Scholarship Foundation was established in 2020 to honor the namesake’s 40-year career of physician advocacy. Mr. Gilchrist is a former CMS CEO.”
“Third- and fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated a significant leadership contribution to organized medicine are eligible for a scholarship award.”
“Preference will be given to students who are active with CMS or a Colorado component medical society.”
