Oliver Goldsmith, M.D. Scholarship: Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Kaiser Permanente?

Kaiser Permanente is a non-profit, prepaid, group practice health maintenance organization (HMO), founded in 1945. The Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region has more than 3.1 million members. It includes 3,600 physicians in the Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG) and 47,300 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals and medical group employees. The Region is served by 11 major medical centers.

Why is the scholarship named after Oliver Goldsmith, M.D.?

The scholarship is named after our recently retired SCPMG Medical Director, Oliver Goldsmith, M.D. who contributed to the promotion and advancement of Culturally Responsive Care in our medical group through his personal involvement in effecting change in the system. Dr. Goldsmith's leadership and support was instrumental in the development of the Culturally Responsive Care (CRC) Initiative throughout our Medical Centers in Southern California.

How many scholarships are available and how is the scholarship award distributed?

There are twelve scholarships, each worth $5,000. Scholarship awards will be processed through the school’s Financial Aid office.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Oliver Goldsmith, MD scholarships?

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical/osteopathic school and:

• Be a student in good standing entering your third or fourth year of medical school
• Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of culturally and/or linguistically responsive care or diversity through community service work, clinical volunteering, or applicable research
• Intend to practice medicine in Southern California
• Able to participate in a mentoring relationship with a Southern California Kaiser Permanente physician, starting in the Fall of 2010.
• Able to participate in a 4 – 6 week clerkship at a Kaiser Permanente facility in Southern California between July 2010 and August 2011.

Will I need to interview for the scholarship?

If you are selected as a final candidate, you will be invited to interview. Interviews for the scholarship will be held, in-person, in Southern California-dates to be determined. Out-of-town candidates may be eligible to conduct their interview by videoconference.

Does the 4-6 week clerkship/elective need to be done in Southern California?

Yes. The clerkship/elective must be completed in a Southern California, Kaiser Permanente medical facility.  If you are awarded the scholarship we can assist with arranging the rotation at one of our facilities.

Do I need to be a certain ethnic/racial group to apply?

We encourage all ethnic/racial groups to apply.

What is considered good academic standing?

Each medical/osteopathic school establishes its own criteria for good academic standing.  Applicant must submit a letter from their school stating that they are in good standing and not on any type of academic probation.

Is it necessary that I intend to practice medicine in Southern California?

Yes, we are asking that all applicants plan to continue their medical career in Southern California, during their residency and medical practice thereafter.

Who can write the two letters of recommendation?

One letter should be from your professor/clinician.  The other letter may be from a clinical advisor, dean, or other relevant person familiar with your community involvement, leadership responsibilities, clinical volunteering, or research that demonstrates your commitment or accomplishments in diversity/culturally responsive care.

Can my school give me the sealed transcript and Letter of Academic Standing or do they need to send them directly to Kaiser?

We request that school transcripts and academic letters be sent directly to the Scholarship Committee from the medical school. Electronic mail can be sent to socal.residency@kp.org.

Sealed transcript can also be sent to:

Oliver Goldsmith, M.D. Scholarship Committee
Attn: Vanessa Hernandez
Resident Recruitment & Outreach
393 E. Walnut St., 5th Floor
Pasadena, CA 91188
(626) 405-6581 fax

The person writing my recommendation letter is unable to meet the deadline or would like to send the reference letter separately?

All documents are due February 5th, 2010. Letters can be sent directly to the scholarship committee office or fax listed above. All letters must have the signature of the letter writer .

Can I have a relative write my letter of recommendation?

No. A non-relative, who is familiar with your work, may write the letter of recommendation. The letter can also be written by a Kaiser Permanente physician or employee.

Where can I download a copy of the scholarship application?

An on-line application can be accessed at http://residency.kp.org/scal .

Can I send in my application through the Kaiser Permanente by inter-office mail or postal system?

No. We require that all applications to be submitted on-line through the residency website to ensure proof of submission. Applications sent by Kaiser Permanente inter-office mail or postal service will not be considered.

Do I have to be interested in a primary care specialty to apply?

No.  We are looking for students with various residency and practice interests.

Do I have to have leadership experience to apply?

No, we would only like to know if you are involved or plan to be involved at this level.

Should I include a photo of myself?

In order to maintain a fair and equitable process, we request that you do not send photos at this time.  Any photos received during the application process will be discarded and not given to the Scholarship Evaluation Committee.

When will I know if I’ve been selected to receive the scholarship?

All applicants will be notified via phone or e-mail by May 2010.  A list of awardees will be posted online. Scholarship winners will be invited to an awards reception to be held in their honor in June 2010.