The division of Rheumatology is proud to announce the Distinguished Alumni Scholarship Program (DASP), a prestigious initiative that grants four-year, full-tuition scholarships to four outstanding entering students each year. Established in 1989, DASP aims to recognize excellence, foster mentorship, and encourage philanthropy within the medical community.
This year, one of the distinguished faculty honorees of the DASP program is Dr. Seth Eisen, a highly esteemed physician from the Rheumatology Department. Dr. Eisen’s exceptional contributions to the medical field have earned him this prestigious recognition as an outstanding alumni honoree.
The DASP program is made possible through a blend of institutional funds and annual support from the Medical Alumni Annual Fund. It not only provides financial assistance to deserving students but also aims to create a lasting impact on their educational journey.
Each year, the Executive Council of the Washington University Medical Center Alumni Association (WUMCAA), with great scrutiny, selects four exceptional members of the School of Medicine faculty or emeritus faculty who are also distinguished alumni. These outstanding individuals become the namesakes of the scholarships, honored for their exemplary citizenship and leadership.
The DASP recipients are chosen through a meticulous selection process conducted by a faculty committee. The students must demonstrate exceptional academic records and possess outstanding character traits. Those who continue to meet the eligibility requirements will hold the scholarships throughout their journey at Washington University School of Medicine.
While providing financial support, the ultimate goal of the Distinguished Alumni Scholarship Program is to emphasize the profound impact that such support has on the student experience. The program hopes to inspire the faculty members for whom the award is named, including Dr. Seth Eisen, to consider providing philanthropic support during or after their student recipient’s time at WashU. This creates an opportunity for mentorship, fostering a strong relationship between the awardees and the esteemed alumni faculty namesakes.
By receiving support from these distinguished alumni, the student recipients not only benefit from financial assistance but also gain invaluable mentorship throughout their time at Washington University School of Medicine and beyond. This mentorship instills in them the importance of giving back and supporting future medical students, motivating them to pay it forward one day.
The Distinguished Alumni Scholarship Program serves as a testament to the commitment of Washington University School of Medicine and its alumni community to nurturing outstanding medical talent and fostering a culture of philanthropy and mentorship.