Chung-wen Shih Scholarship | Current Medical School Students

The Chung-wen Shih Scholarship is intended to support students with demonstrated interest in integrating traditional Chinese Medical Practices or integrative medical practice with Western Medical Practices. The scholarship aims to promote cultural exchange between the East and West among GW students. 

In AY26-27, up to 8 awards will be made available to students from School of Medicine and Health Services. Selected students from SMHS will each receive $2,500 applied to international scholarly opportunities for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Eligibility & Requirements

Academic Eligibility

The scholarship is available to current medical students enrolled at GW's School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), applicants must also meet the below criteria:

• Students must be in good academic standing and participating in an Office of International Medicine Programs (IMP) approved international elective to apply for this scholarship.
• Students must have completed their core clinical rotations (2 months each in internal medicine, primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, and psychiatry)

Program Requirements

Applicants should also verify that their program meets the following requirements:

• The program must take place in Academic Year 2026-2027.
• The program must be completed by no later than April 25, 2027. The latest elective block to complete the program and still be eligible for this scholarship is weeks 40-43.
• The content of the proposed program will be substantive in scope and educational value with well-defined objectives and intended outcomes.
• The proposed program will have the support of a faculty mentor either at the home institution or at the host organization.
• The program will be minimum 4 weeks in length, with any objectives or intended outcomes achievable within that time frame.
• The final award is dependent on final approval from the host site and confirmation of the student’s registration in one of IMP’s elective courses (IDIS 352, IDIS 370).

How to Apply

Eligible students are encouraged to submit their application materials for review by the scholarship committee. Please review the required materials below, as well as the reporting requirements for all prospective scholarship recipients.

Required Materials

• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial transcripts
• Personal statement describing your interest in East-West cultural exchange, experiences in Eastern culture, evidence of interest in integrating holistic medical practices into Western Medicine, and any relevant travel or academic studies that support these experiences or interests. (maximum of 4 pages, double spaced)
• Proposal with a detailed description of your program that includes objectives and intent of the experience, as well as its content, structure, learning objectives, and timeline.
• Provide a letter of support from your program mentor – to include his/her intent to provide guidance and support through the duration of the project.
• At least two letters of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member at George Washington University.
• A letter confirming that you authorize the Chung-wen Shih Scholarship Committee to review GW Financial Aid Account information; this email should include your Name and GW ID number.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will be composed of representatives from Columbian College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

• Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the following:
• Academic Excellence
• Relevance of project to the mission of Chung-wen Shih Scholarship. Programs on Chinese traditional medicine and health practice will be given priority consideration and possible extra funding, resource permitting.
• Educational and cross-cultural value of the proposed program
• Career goals; previous relevant experience; and special skills such as language
  knowledge
• Quality and organization of the proposed program (i.e. potential to achieve goals and objectives)
• Quality of the infrastructure and support by the mentor/host organization
• Potential for Success – will take into account factors such as interpersonal skills,
  professionalism, and leadership

Reporting Requirements

Scholarship recipients will be required to share the results of their work through the following reporting requirements:

• A reflection paper describing the scholar’s program, experience, and key takeaways
• A presentation to the scholarship joint committee and invited guests, which may include faculty, students and specialists from the field
• Photographs (3 to 5 is acceptable) and a short thank you video taken from your
  international program experience while abroad, talking about your personal experience abroad and key reflections on the importance of East-West cultural exchange
• Attend an in-person scholars meet and greet luncheon, on *May 7 or May 10, 2027*
• A 1-2 minute video addressed to the Shih Scholarship Committee expressing appreciation for their contribution. Video should follow the guidelines below:
       - Wear your white coat if possible
       - Film the video while you are abroad
       - Talk about your personal experience abroad and key reflections on the importance of East-West cultural exchange