Background

This scholarship program was established in honor of three outstanding physicians, Dr. R. M. Varma, Dr. K.S. Mani and Dr. Setti S. Rengachary, and their immense contributions to the field of Neuroscience.

Dr Raja Martanda Varma was one of India's first neurosurgeons and for decades worked on holistic approaches to improving the lives of his patients. An accomplished surgeon, researcher and teacher, Dr. Varma founded and directed the Neurosurgery Department at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore in 1958.

Dr. K. S. Mani was a noted neurologist with a broad range of interests, foremost among them his dedication to improving the lives of epilepsy patients. Dr. Mani started the Department of Neurology at the All India Institute of Mental Health and Sciences (later reorganized as the NIMHANS) in Bangalore in 1957 and was active throughout his life as a member of the Indian Epilepsy Association.

Dr. Setti S. Rengachary was a neurosurgeon specializing in spinal reconstruction and the treatment of spinal trauma. After completing his residency in neurosurgery at KU Medical Center (KUMC), Dr. Rengachary worked for the VA Medical Center in Kansas City and was also part of the academic staff at KUMC. An accomplished academic, his neurosurgical textbooks are referenced worldwide.

Description

Awarded annually, this scholarship provides up to $5,000 to neuroscience residents who want to complete a month-long International Educational Experience. The funds can be used to pay for living and travel expenses associated with the experience as well as to cover any international tuition, medical travel insurance and other fees as approved.

Eligibility

The opportunity is open to all KU Medical Center neurology and neurosurgery residents as well as residents in psychiatry and the basic neurosciences.. The country of study must be different than the country of birth or residence and applicants should not have had prior formal medical training experience in the proposed country. The proposed experience must also meet the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and the Office of International Programs policies regarding international experiences including the completion of the GME International Resident Elective application packet and the IEE registration per university policy.

The proposed experience must also meet the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and the Office of International Programs policies regarding international experiences. Scholarship recipients will be required to complete the GME International Resident Elective application packet.

Any submitted application will be reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded based on merit and available funding. Nonetheless, applicants are encouraged to apply at least 6 months in advance, and optimally, 12 months prior to the scheduled IEE.

List of Award Winners

Britton Zuccarelli - Mexico - Dec. 2015
Tekalign Burka- Ethiopia - February/March 2017
Matthew Markert - Nepal - April 2017
Anai Hamasaki - London - March 2018
Emmanuel Mantilla Jr - Philippines - May 2018
Matthew Varon - London - March 2019
Benjamin Chapin - Norwich - May/June 2019
Vishal Saini - Virtual - April 2021
Radha Nagireddy - Argentina - January/February 2024

Questions?

Questions may be directed to Kimberly Connelly in the Office of International Programs.