What Others Are Saying...

“How important it is that a man or woman of influence would remain humble… such humility, we saw in your group…the humility of these brothers and sisters, is more beautiful than the splendor of dawn, the majesty in nature, the marvels of architecture, and each missionary learned from Jesus how to be His hand and His servant heart. Motto of the Baptist Medical Fellowship.”

“Most of the audience were young professionals. One thing … (which) really amazed them is when they heard how the American doctor builds up their relationship with patients. They were so touched by the doctor's honesty, kindness, sincerity and the patient-center(ed) orientation. I really love these topics such as medical ethics and professional moral principles. “...(it)really touches people's heart.”

“My most memorable encounter was meeting a young Christian man that was encouraged by our presence ... His walk with the Lord has been strengthened by our Christian love and encouragement.”

4th-Year Med Student

Stip Medical School

“I finally feel like a real medical student…someone is teaching me who truly cares”

5th-Year Med Student

Stip Medical School

“We’ve never met doctors like you. Will you stay longer and teach us more?”

Director of Medical Health

Homes, Skopje

“You’ve come back. There may be a glimmer of hope. Actually, that’s only the second time I can remember using that word.”

Dr. Robert and Marian Schindler Scholarship

For senior medical students and MD/DO Residents and Fellows

Teaching with Medical Education International (MEI)

NOTE:  All 2023 Schindler Scholarships have been awarded.  We are accepting applications for trips scheduled for 2024. 

Schindler Scholarship – Dr. Robert and Marian Schindler Scholarship - Provides $1200 to help fund senior medical students, residents and/or fellows to teach on a short-term mission trip with CMDA’s Medical Education International mission arm.

 

PURPOSE

To encourage senior medical students and MD/DO residents and fellows to teach cross-culturally on MEI teams, especially teams focused on teaching practical skills to healthcare professional students, and in doing so, to seek the Lord's will for them with regard to pursuing teaching as a career both at home and in medical missions. This scholarship is given by the Southwestern Medical Clinic (SWMC) Foundation in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Bob Schindler, the founders of what is now MEI.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be:

  1. A CMDA member
  2. A fourth-year medical student or enrolled in an approved U.S. or Canadian medical school OR a resident or fellow enrolled in an approved clinical training program in the U.S. or Canada.
  3. Planning to use the awarded funds to participate in an MEI team, usually for a minimum of two weeks or more, that is to be completed within 12 months of the award date.

Applicants should:

  1. Express interest in healthcare education as a possible career choice
  2. Be able to demonstrate financial need to enable project participation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must:

  1. submit an MEI Application for the trip at https://mei.servicereef.com/ at least 60, but preferably 90 days before departure.
  2. send to mei@cmda.org (1) a current curriculum vitae including a listing of teaching experiences, (2) a copy of the photo page of their passport which must be valid until at least 6 months after return, and a Schindler Scholarship application, including their goals of the trip.
  3. be approved as a team member by the MEI team leader, (3) a list of trip costs, pledged support or other scholarships, and remaining funds needed to participate in the team.
  4. be interviewed in person or by electronic means and recommended for the scholarship by the MEI Director or Associate Director and that recommendation approved by the donor.
  5. Plan to use the funds for participation on an MEI team, preferably of two weeks or longer, which takes place within twelve months from the date of the award.

REQUIREMENT TO DISCLOSE TRIP FUNDING SOURCES

Due to limited funding, this program is not intended to duplicate other award programs where funding has been given. Where partial funding has been provided from other sources, our award would be limited to the amount necessary to meet (but not exceed) full travel and project-related expenses. If full funding has been provided by other organizations, churches, mission board or foundation awards, applicants are requested to notify the Christian Medical & Dental Associations immediately, withdrawing their application in order that other applicants may be funded.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications are reviewed as received. Your application must be submitted at least 60, but preferably 90 days before departure.

 

AWARDS

Applications will generally be processed within a week of being received. Awards will be announced by email as soon as the donor has approved the award. The amount of the grant is $1200 or the remaining funds needed (if less than $1200) for transportation and project-related expenses and must be used for those costs.

 

AFTER RETURN

Recipients are required to submit a detailed, typed report with pictures to MEI within 30 days after completion of trip. The report should contain a summary of activities and an assessment of the value of the experience. Both the report and photos will be kept on file at CMDA and shared with the donor, and may be used in MEI and donor reports and publicity.

(All names and photos must be approved at least orally or via signature on the consent form by the individuals represented or their identities concealed by obscuring their faces. Stories will be edited for grammar, spelling, clarity, and length.) 

Our mission is to make it possible for medical students, residents, and fellows like yourself to gain valuable experience while helping people in need. As a scholarship recipient, we want to share your experience with others who are considering medical missions work. MEI and/or the donor may invite recipients to give an in-person presentation of their experience online and/or to staff and providers at Southwestern Medical Clinic in St. Joseph, Michigan. The clinic will cover relevant expenses.

Learn More
Complete the Dr. Robert and Marian Schindler Scholarship Application