Wade Piston Memorial Travelling Scholarship

Wade Piston epitomized what service is to the international community of healthcare providers. He knew that artificial boundaries separated those rich in resources from those who struggled for daily existence. And he knew that the foremost ingredient to effective and lasting change in medical care in developing countries is knowledge and professional skill. He loved to facilitate change - both through his personal contact and his untiring efforts to bring professionals who could enable local physicians and nurses to be an ongoing part of the process. He realized that what we have in developed countries could serve as a model for those countries without the valued resources so important to applying the skills of medical care. He felt that foreign physicians and surgeons, eager to learn, needed to spend time in the US, participating in the day-to-day activities of modern healthcare delivery within the context of a team of expert clinicians. This he felt was the ultimate route to assuring the best for the majority.

He had a "soft spot" in his heart for children. He knew the value of the investment in assuring a healthy child. He saw this as a direct investment to assure a healthy future for the country.

Wade's untimely death at the age of 47 is mourned by all who knew him, but will continue to be felt by many who didn't. This Memorial Scholarship is a small step to assuring Wade's dream for the children of Mongolia. It will provide the funds to cover the expenses for a 3 - 6 month period for a Mongolian physician or surgeon dedicated to pediatric (0 - 21 years) medical/surgical care to spend a learning sabbatical in the US.

WHO: a graduate physician/surgeon in Mongolia who is in a position to influence change in the healthcare of children and adolescents by gaining specialized expertise in a clinical field.

AWARD: the recipient of this scholarship will receive an award of $10,000 USD or equivalent in housing, travel, paid tuition fees, health insurance or meal allowance to cover a 3-6 month study-observership in a pediatric program in the Southern California area, preferably Los Angeles.

REQUIREMENTS: a clinical pediatric physician/surgeon preferably positioned at the Maternal and Child Health Resource Center (Ulanbator), Mongolia Medical University School or Ministry of Health. Exceptions will be considered. Candidates must be eligible for a US visa for study in the US. Candidates must sign a contract agreeing to return to Mongolia for at least a 5 - year period after completion of the study sabbatical. This award may not be combined with any other scholarship to extend the length of stay in the US.

CRITERIA: Award is based on previous education, professional activities, commitment to specialty area of interest as reflected in practice and mentorship of medical students or clinical trainees, 3 letters of support from colleagues - 1 must be from clinical supervisor and evidence of a commitment to pediatric education and research.

TO APPLY: application forms will be made available at the offices of the Director of MCHRC, Chairman, Pediatrics, Mongolia Medical University and the Vice Minister of Health or online through the Web site of the Ulan Bator Foundation, Venice, California. Completed applications are to be submitted to :

At least 1 award will be made annually.

[Wade was a Board Member of the Ulan Bator Foundation's California-Mongolia Medical Program. As a member of the Rotary Club and as a public relations officer for the LA County Medical Association, Wade worked tirelessly to bring quality medical care to underprivileged children around the world.]