Donna M. Parker, M.D. Diversity and Health Equity Scholarship

Established by Drs. Oladapo and Kiyetta Alade, 2002 UF College of Medicine graduates, and named in honor of Donna M. Parker, M.D., Associate dean for diversity and health equity, and Assistant professor of pediatrics at UF College of Medicine, this endowed fund supports need-based scholarships for medical students at the UF College of Medicine. The scholarship will be awarded to students with the following characteristics: committed to making meaningful contributions to an inclusive community and the continuation of a diverse student body; sensitivity to and understanding of racial and ethnic issues in society; ability to overcome educational, social, or family disadvantages; and the passion to make a difference.

Since 1993, Dr. Parker has provided general pediatric care to underserved residents of Alachua County. Dr. Parker has been and continues to be a strong advocate for her underserved patients as well as medical students. In her role, she is constantly seeking to increase the diversity in the physician workforce, and works ardently to recruit and retain medical students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine.