Notes

Dear Edith SeVille Coale Medical Scholarship Selection Committee,

Megan Orlando is well on her way towards becoming a leader in academic medicine. I say this with great confidence as I have grown to know her as her Faculty Advisor during this first year of medical school. I have served at Johns Hopkins since I entered as a medical student some 22 years ago and I have known many students throughout those years. It is remarkable for a single student to stand out from the hundreds of outstanding students at one of the premier medical schools of the world; nevertheless, Megan stands out. Thus, it is my pleasure to write this letter and give Megan my highest recommendation in support of her application for this scholarship opportunity.

I first met Megan on her first day of medical school. I have also known her as a student in our course, “Clinical Foundations of Medicine (CFM)”. Our CFM course is particularly focused on communication and interpersonal skill development and is taught in a small group that requires preparation and collaboration. On all counts Megan was a fantastic student. She is reflective and humble and her development as a physician grows by leaps and bounds as a result. I was appreciative that she was always fully invested in our small group settings and would offer insights and observations suggesting a thoughtful and humanistic approach. Although the course is officially graded as pass/fail, Megan’s quantitative scores were among the highest in the class.

Importantly, Megan is an ideal applicant to meet the ZONTA goal of “advancing the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy”. A quick glance at her resume confirms a deep commitment to helping others and improving the world around her. Notably she spent time with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children while at Princeton University. Additionally, she has been heavily involved in our Charm City Clinic (a student run health care access program) while undertaking the rigorous curriculum required during medical school.

The mission of our school of medicine is to produce leaders in Medicine who will take the foundation of a broad education to improve health. In this regard Megan has begun to distinguish herself as a leader among leaders. It is her humble nature and thoughtful approach that gain the trust of her peers

In summary, Megan possesses all the attributes requisite for a great student and future leader. She is self-directed and works well with others. Her academic performance at Johns Hopkins has been outstanding. I highly recommend Megan as an outstanding, well-rounded and well prepared applicant for consideration of your scholarship.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Dudas MD
Director-Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Co-Leader College Advisory Program Taussig College
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
410-550-0963 [email protected]