UNE medical student Nicolás Cal awarded national scholarship

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) student Nicolás Cal, OMS IV, is the recipient of the prestigious 2013 William G. Anderson, DO, Minority Scholarship.  This competitive national scholarship is awarded annually to one student by the American Osteopathic Foundation.

The scholarship honors the distinguished professional and public career of William G. Anderson, DO, and highlights his lifelong commitment to civil rights and osteopathic medicine. It recognizes an outstanding minority osteopathic medical student who is committed to osteopathic principals and practice, has excelled academically, and has proven to be a leader in addressing the educational, societal, and health needs of minorities.

Patricia Kelley, UNECOM Associate Dean of Constituent Services, said, "For the past two years, Nicolás has served as a representative to the Hispanic pre-medical students' conference, where he has shared his knowledge about his chosen profession with others who would like to do the same.   He is an excellent representative of the profession and certainly emulates Dr. Anderson with his desire to give back to those who need osteopathic medicine. I can think of no one better to receive the William G. Anderson, DO Minority Scholarship than Nicolás Cal."

Cal is president of the UNECOM chapter of the Student National Medical Association and a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, the honorary osteopathic service fraternity. He has also represented UNECOM at national conferences in Miami, FL, Hartford, CT and Washington DC, with the goal of diversifying the student population in the osteopathic community and raising awareness about the principles of osteopathy. He is a student member of the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.

Born in Uruguay, Cal is also an avid soccer player and fan.  He returns to his home in South America each year to spend time with family and friends.  Cal's career goal is to become a general surgeon and eventually specialize in vascular surgery. 

In addition to being awarded the $5,000 scholarship, Cal receives a free trip to the 2013 Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition September 20-October 4 in Las Vegas, NV, where he will be recognized along with other American Osteopathic Foundation awardees.