For Release: September 21, 2005
Contact: Mednews Office

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John Raser, DMS '06, Awarded Prestigious Scholarship


John Raser, DMS '06

Cited for his dedication to family medicine and commitment to community service, fourth year Dartmouth Medical School student John Raser was awarded a Pisacano Scholarship by the philanthropic arm of the American Board of Family Medicine. As one of five recipients nationwide, he will receive up to $28,000 during a four-year period to support his family medicine education and take part in associated educational and leadership programs.

In awarding the scholarship the Pisacano Leadership Foundation lauded Raser as a leader whose "superior academic achievement, strong communication skills, identifiable character and integrity, and noteworthy level of community service," made him an excellent candidate for the award.

"I'm excited about the opportunities available to me as a Pisacano Scholar, and I hope to use the training and resources I have been given to make a real difference as a family physician," said Raser, a native of Escondido, California who graduated from Dartmouth College in 2001.

During his first two years at Dartmouth Medical School, he worked in a clinic with Dr. Peter Mason, whom he credits with cementing his decision to enter family medicine. He worked with Dr. Mason as a member of the Dartmouth Community Service Council, as well as in a rural clinic in Honduras. In Honduras, Raser also worked with PROMESA, a joint public health outreach project between Brigham and Women's Hospital and Zamorano University. Along with two other members of his class, he helped launch the Mascoma Valley Satellite of the Good Neighbor Health Clinic in 2003. After recognizing the need for a forum to discuss how social issues affect health on a global scale, John co-founded a local chapter of Physicians for Human Rights. He is also a member of Dartmouth's Family Medicine Interest Group, the American Medical Student Association, and the Public Health Political Action Committee with the Dartmouth Student Government.

"John's contributions are strong examples of our students' dedication to community service," said Dr. Joseph O'Donnell, Senior Advising Dean and Director of Community Programs at DMS. "We are extremely proud of his accomplishments at DMS and I have no doubt that his boundless enthusiasm and commitment to the global community will continue long after he has become as family physician."

-DMS-

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