Medical Society Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced

The Lancaster Medical Society Foundation, a foundation of Lancaster City & County Medical Society, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Foundation Scholarships. These students have earned numerous academic and leadership awards, and they have been involved in research and clinical experiences.


C. Veronica Ruiz

Veronica, a Lancaster resident and graduate of Elizabethtown College, is pursuing her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Her passion for the medical field was born from a desire to be a patient advocate for the underserved. This zeal was fueled by her personal experience of becoming a care-give at a young age, due to a lack of her family’s financial resources.

“My guiding principle is that no one deserves to receive substandard healthcare due to uncontrollable factors.”

Click HERE to learn more about Veronica. 

Hannah Ruby

Hannah, a student at Drexel University College of Medicine, is from Bainbridge and is a graduate of Boston College.

Her desire to serve others was first sparked after a near-devastating family health crisis, brought about by local healthcare system gaps.

“I realized that I could help fill these gaps and prevent others in my community from losing family members like the one I almost lost.”

Click HERE to learn more about Hannah.

Safitaj Sindhar

Safitaj, from Ephrata, is a graduate of Penn State Berks and a student at the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine.

She shared that her desire to pursue medicine is rooted in her experiences growing up in rural India and witnessing medical injustices that took place to her and around her.

“Stories of receiving little or no healthcare are not uncommon, which is perhaps the biggest reason I decided to become a medical professional and a healthcare advocate.”

Click HERE to learn more about Safitaj.

Hannah Dietrele

Hannah, from Lancaster, is a Washington & Lee graduate and a student at the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine.

While pursuing her PhD, Hannah served a a Hospitality Associate at a local hospital, which allowed her to witness the real-life effects of her research.

“I have seen how crucial the communication is between a doctor and a patient and the harmful consequences for the patient if that communication breaks down. I want to use my ethics education to create strong and trusting bonds so I can care for all areas of my patients’ health.”

Click HERE to learn more about Hannah.


Lancaster Medical Society Foundation scholarships are given to residents of Lancaster County who are attending allopathic or osteopathic medical schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, exhibit good character and motivation, and show financial need.

The Scholarship Foundation is generously supported by the Lancaster County medical community, through hospitals and health systems, group practices, individual medical society members, and local businesses support the fund.