University of New England

Three medical students awarded $250,000 scholarships

BIDDEFORD - Three  students in the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine were awarded  $250,000 National Health Service Corps Scholarships. Granted through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and given to 95 students nationwide each year, the scholarship prepares future clinicians to practice in the areas of greatest need within the United States. Daniel Miller, MS I, Erin Reardon, MS II and Ryan Smith, MS I were recipients of this scholarship.

Daniel Miller
“Realizing that I wanted to study medicine was a pivotal moment in my life,” said Miller. “Getting accepted into UNE and receiving the NHSC scholarship really validated this decision for me. I truly feel that I am in the right place and on the right path.”

Miller is MSI co-president of UNE’s Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy (UAAO) club. He is currently interested in internal medicine, as well as diabetes prevention and education. Upon graduation, Miller is considering a practice in rural Maine.

Miller earned his undergraduate degree in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Erin Reardon
Reardon served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa where she developed an interest in public health and infectious disease, but she realized that there is much work to be done locally. She is currently pursuing family practice. “I love the diversity in working with all ages and medical backgrounds,” she said.

Reardon earned her graduate degree in clinical laboratory medicine from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

Ryan Smith
“This is a dream come true for me,” says Smith. “My career goal is to provide medical care in an underserved rural community setting, so this honor fits my dream perfectly.”

Smith is a 2006 graduate of Stonehill College in Massachusetts where he majored in biochemistry. In the summer of 2005, Smith worked with Amy Deveau, UNE assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics, also a graduate of Stonehill College in 1996, on the design and organic synthesis of opioid-blocking compounds for the treatment of addiction.

In addition to his classes and other activities, Smith is currently active in the development of the research program at UNECOM and the Biomedical Research Facility.

(Press release posted Feb. 26, 2007)