UF medical student wins union scholarship

A commitment to helping others has paid off for one University of Florida College of Medicine student.

Fourth-year medical student Matthew McKillop was awarded the $5,000 James T. Housewright Scholarship from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. The scholarship is given to eight third- or fourth-year medical students across the country who are studying internal medicine and are interested in cardiology.

Students who win the scholarship must demonstrate a commitment to helping others, said Ed Chambers, president of Local 1625 in Orlando. He presented the award to McKillop at an October 2 ceremony.

Patrick Duff, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and associate dean for student affairs at the UF College of Medicine, nominated McKillop for his excellent academic record and his interest in pursuing a residency in internal medicine and a cardiology fellowship.

The scholarship is named after a former president of Retail Clerks International Union, now part of the Food and Commercial Workers union.