The Byron H. Chesbro M.D. Scholarship Fund

The Byron H. Chesbro M.D. Scholarship Fund

Overview: Established in 2019 in partnership with the Cancer Help Center at the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation, Elara Caring, and Texas Oncology to honor the memory of El Paso, Texas oncologist Byron L. Chesbro, who served the El Paso area for more than 37 years.

Background

Dr. Byron L. Chesbro was board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. He served as medical director of oncology services at Sierra Hospital and chief of staff at Providence Hospital. He was a past president of the El Paso Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society and a founding member of the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology. He received his medical degree from the State University of New York, Upstate Medical Center, completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Ohio, and completed his oncology training as a clinical associate at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD.

Purpose

Scholarship funds may be used to advance the pursuit of oncology-related professions and contribute to the health of the community by:
• Providing financial assistance to qualified students currently enrolled in a community college, baccalaureate or advanced degree nursing, social work or medical program in El Paso, Texas
• Encouraging and providing for continuing growth and development within the oncology profession
• Aiding and supporting clinics, seminars, workshops, continuing education and institutional programs for professional nurses and other health workers
• Encouraging recruitment and retention of qualified persons into the field of oncological health care

Eligibility

• Open to: Healthcare providers and qualified students pursuing or continuing a career in oncology
• Education level: Higher education students entering their junior and senior years of full-time undergraduate study, post-graduate study, oncology fellowships and ongoing educational support
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent U.S. residency
• Geographic priority: Priority consideration given to applicants who live or work in El Paso County, Texas
• Academic requirement: Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (transcripts must be submitted)
• Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution
• Field of study: Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a health-related field at a Texas school system/University

Selection Criteria

Scholarships awarded based on demonstrated:
• Leadership
• Advocacy
• Inspiration
• Goals and work
• Community involvement
• Professional activities
• Academic performance (for student applicants)

Award Details

• Minimum award: $1,000 per scholarship
• Timeline: Applications funded annually by August 15th
• Notification: Recipients announced by August 15th of each calendar year
• Fund distribution: Awarded immediately upon notification
• Expectations: Recipients expected to be available for press and photo opportunities and allow release of their name and award on the Foundation's website

Contact

Email: cmartinez@rgcf.org

Address: 616 N. Virginia St., Ste D, El Paso, TX 79902

Phone: (915) 562-7660

Current Status: Currently Not Accepting Applications