The Dr. James Charasika Scholarship for Medical Students

A $1,000 Award Empowering Future Physicians in Honor of a Legacy

The Dr. James Charasika Scholarship is a merit-based award designed to support the next generation of physician-leaders. This $1,000 grant is awarded annually to an undergraduate student on the pre-medical track who demonstrates not only academic promise but also a profound commitment to the core principles that defined Dr. Charasika’s four-decade career: compassionate patient-centered care, community advocacy, and the pursuit of systemic innovation in medicine. We are looking for the future clinicians who will carry this legacy forward.

Scholarship Overview

At the crucial undergraduate stage, this scholarship invests in students preparing for careers in medicine. Candidates must be enrolled in accredited institutions and demonstrate a clear pre-medical trajectory through coursework such as Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, as well as their professional aspirations. We are proud to honor Dr. Charasika’s legacy by supporting individuals whose dedication to scholarship and patient-centered care mirrors his enduring ethos.

Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in an accredited college or university.
  • Be on a demonstrated pre-medical track (e.g., majoring in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field).
  • Maintain a strong academic record.

The primary component of the application is a substantive essay response to the following prompt:

Essay Prompt:
“Dr. Charasika’s career was a testament to overcoming barriers and redefining patient care. He broke racial barriers in his training, advocated against ‘sick care’ in Washington D.C., and built a practice dedicated to holistic, preventive medicine. Discuss a significant challenge you anticipate facing in your medical career—whether systemic, clinical, or ethical—and articulate how you plan to integrate Dr. Charasika’s principles of innovation, equity, and patient-centeredness to navigate it and improve patient outcomes.”

Amount

One time award of $1,000

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is August 15, 2026.

Winner Announced

The winner of the scholarship will be announced on September 15, 2026.

How to Apply

Header: Application Protocol

To be considered for the Dr. James Charasika Scholarship, please submit a complete application packet via email to [email protected].

Your application must include the following as PDF attachments:

  1. Completed Application Form: (Please provide a link to a downloadable form or a form-fillable PDF here).
  2. Essay: Your response to the provided essay prompt, not to exceed 1,000 words. Documents should be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, and include a header with your full name and page number.
  3. Unofficial Transcript: A current copy of your academic transcript.
  4. Resume/Curriculum Vitae: A one-to-two-page document outlining your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant clinical or research experience.

Along with the essay, please provide the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Email Address
  • Name of High School and Graduation Date
  • The University that you are currently enrolled in.
  • Personal Bio
  • GPA