The Utah Academy of Family Physicians Foundation (UAFP Foundation) is pleased to offer scholarships to medical students who successfully match into a Family Medicine residency program in the state of Utah.

This scholarship is intended to support medical students who demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in Family Medicine, leadership during medical school, and intent to practice community‑based primary care.

Award Details

• A minimum of two (2) scholarships will be awarded.
• Each scholarship will be at least $2,500.
• Scholarship recipients will be notified during the last week of March 2026.

We encourage all eligible students who have applied to match into a Utah Family Medicine residency program to apply.

Award Notification 

Selected recipients will be notified in writing. Awardees may be asked to provide a brief acknowledgment or participate in Family Medicine mentorship or outreach activities.

Application Period for 2026

• Applications open: February 13, 2026
• Application deadline: March 13, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled medical student (MD or DO) In good academic and professional standing.
• Demonstrated intent to pursue Family Medicine residency.
• Be a current member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Students who are not yet members may join by visiting the AAFP website:
  https://www.aafp.org/membership/join/student.html

Required Application Materials

All materials must be submitted by March 13, 2026.

1) Personal Statement (250-750 words) addressing:

• Your interest in and eligibility for this scholarship.
• Why you have chosen Family Medicine as your specialty.
• Where you intend to pursue residency and practice post‑residency.

2) Medical School Experience Essay (100-500 words):

• Describe your experience in medical school, including leadership roles, service activities, and other meaningful involvement.

3) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

4) Academic Transcript (unofficial acceptable)

5) Headshot (professional photograph)

6) Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or practicing Family Medicine physician

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed independently by a Scholarship Review Committee using a standardized scoring rubric. Review of applications will begin once the match has concluded. Only applicants who successfully match into a Utah Family Medicine Residency will be considered. Scores are averaged across reviewers. Interviews are optional and reserved for top‑ranked applicants if needed.

Scoring System (100 Points Total)

1) Commitment to Family Medicine & Career Intent (35 points)

• Based primarily on the personal statement.
• Clarity and depth of interest in Family Medicine.
• Alignment of career goals and intended practice location with Family Medicine values.

2) Medical School Experience, Leadership & Service (30 points)

• Based on the medical school experience essay and CV.
• Leadership roles, initiative, and professionalism.
• Service to communities, especially underserved or primary care settings.

3) Academic Performance & Professional Development (15 points)

• Based on transcript and CV.
• Academic standing appropriate to stage of training.
• Engagement in scholarly, teaching, or quality improvement activities.

4) Letter of Recommendation (15 points)

• Strength, specificity, and credibility of endorsement.
• Assessment of character, work ethic, and suitability for Family Medicine.

5) Application Completeness & Professionalism (5 points)

• Adherence to application instructions.
• Quality and professionalism of submitted materials, including headshot.