Surgeon Establishes Scholarship to Assist Students from Diverse Backgrounds

"I've always felt that talented individuals who are less fortunate than I deserve a chance.”

Peter Stern, MD, gives because it’s the right thing to do.

"It’s just the way I was brought up,” said Stern, who has served at the University of Cincinnati (UC) for nearly 36 years, 22 as chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Though he stepped down as chair in late 2013, he continues to educate and inspire medical students, residents and Fellows and practices surgery at UC Health.

In 2013, he supported the establishment of the Peter J. Stern, MD Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery, citing the importance of endowed chairs in recruiting the best and brightest faculty members.

Now, Stern has turned his philanthropic attention to medical students. He and his wife, Sandy, have pledged $500,000 to create The Peter and Sandy Stern Diversity Scholarship in the UC College of Medicine. Recipients of the scholarship will exhibit financial need, have a diverse background based on several factors, and have an MCAT score in the top one-third of the entering medical class.

"I came from a privileged background and had opportunities many do not,” explained Stern. "Because of financial reasons, a lot of people out there can’t get the education they need to contribute to society.”

The College of Medicine’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was pleased to hear of the Stern’s commitment to providing support to a diverse student population.

"This scholarship is immensely important to the College of Medicine’s goal of increasing diversity and inclusion at UC,” said Mia Mallory, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. "The ability to recruit top underrepresented minority students often hinges on financial decisions. Thus the Stern Diversity Scholarship will be an invaluable tool for our office and will enhance our efforts to attract future Bearcats.”

Though not a UC alumnus himself, Stern has made a tremendous impact not only on the university but on the field of orthopaedics as well. An internationally recognized hand surgeon, he has held numerous national leadership positions, published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, and demonstrated his commitment to orthopaedic training by educating 55 fellows and more than 100 orthopaedic residents over the course of his UC career.

"Peter Stern is a wonderful example of a dedicated faculty member who not only understands the importance of the college’s scholarship effort but also the need for a more diverse student population,” said Thomas Boat, MD, dean of the UC College of Medicine. "His leadership is profound and greatly appreciated. We certainly are fortunate to have such a member of our faculty community whose generosity to the university will positively impact students for generations to come.”

"There is no greater testament to the quality of a UC medical education than when one of our faculty members gives to support it,” added Rodney Grabowski, president of the University of Cincinnati Foundation. "Dr. Stern is a leader in his field and a leader among his peers. By establishing this diversity scholarship, he and Sandy are contributing to the future of medicine. We are deeply grateful for their generosity.”