(L-R) Antonia Sappong and Julia Hassler.
Second-year Southern Medical Program (SMP) students Julia Hassler and Antonia Sappong are the inaugural recipients of the Reichwald Family Foundation Southern Medical Program Award.
The new award was established by Klaus and Lydia Reichwald and their family in recognition of exceptional academic standing, strong leadership and volunteerism both within the community and as part of their studies, and a financial need. The average medical student graduates with over $100,000 in debt. The annual award provides $10,000 each for two outstanding second-year students enrolled with the SMP.
Julia Hassler
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Julia Hassler has amassed considerable life and work experience in smaller rural communities from the Prairies to the West Coast. She completed a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Victoria prior to entering medical school. During her studies with the SMP, Julia has been actively involved in the community with the Special Olympics and CIBC’s Run for the Cure. She is also the Wellness Initiative Team Member for her class organizing numerous health and wellness activities for her classmates.
Antonia Sappong
Antonia Sappong is a Toronto-native with a passion for community projects that support public health. She graduated with a BSc in Immunology and Neuroscience from Dalhousie University. As a SMP student, she serves as a member of the SMP Research and Public Health Committee supporting fellow students in research and public health initiatives. She is also co-chair of the Family Medicine Interest Group and editor of the UBC Medical Journal. This past summer, Antonia completed an Aboriginal Health elective in the Lil’Wat Nation of Mt. Currie.
“Scholarships play a significant role in recognizing educational excellence in addition to helping students finance their education,” says Dr. Allan Jones, Regional Associate Dean, Interior. “We are incredibly proud of Julia and Antonia for their accomplishments and grateful to the Reichwald family for creating this prestigious award for our students.”