Hail to the Scholars

It's the time of the year to mark the comings and goings of students -- and it's been no exception at BIDMC.

Eleven students being mentored by gastroenterologist Dr. Alphonso Brown picked up their white coats last Saturday at Bowdoin Street Health Center. They are the first graduates from Brown's ICAN Medical Scholars program. It's a mentoring course for high school students in grades nine through 12 who want to pursue a career in medicine.

The next day, 10 BIDMC "Medical Champions" and their seventh grade "Red Sox Scholars" were each joined by a Red Sox player as they jogged onto the field at Fenway Park for the pregame Induction Ceremony celebrating a 10-year partnership to help academically talented and financially challenged students aim high for their college education.

"It was both an honor and a privilege to participate in the 2012 Red Sox Scholars Induction Ceremony at Fenway Park," said Medical Champion gastroenterologist Dr. Catherine Cheney."I was quite impressed with the 10 new scholars who all exhibited exceptional poise and maturity, well beyond their years. The pleasure of meeting these extraordinary students was definitely the highlight of my day. My mother has been an avid Boston Red Sox fan since 1946 and passed on her love of this team to her children. I sincerely thank BIDMC for its generous support of this wonderful program and the entire Red Sox Foundation for putting it in place."

Now in its 10th year, the Red Sox Scholars Program is presented by BIDMC, the Official Hospital of the Boston Red Sox and Red Sox Nation, and sponsor of the program since its inception in 2003. The Red Sox Foundation provides up to $10,000 in college scholarships while BIDMC's Medical Champions offer exposure to the world of science and health care, guidance and friendship.

"This is such a phenomenal event and we're so honored to be part of this program," said Kevin Tabb, MD, President and CEO. "These kids are a real inspiration. They're an inspiration to us and we hope that we can give back and inspire them in return."