Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation presents scholarship awards to High Desert scholars

The Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation presented its largest scholarship award donation to 90 High Desert students seeking careers in health sciences.

More scholarships were awarded this year than in years past. This year’s increase in scholarship applications by students ranging in ages from 17 to 52 is an indication that more people want to be of service to others through careers in healthcare.

From high school students overcoming significant hardships to single mothers pursuing their dreams of healthcare service, each scholarship recipient demonstrated academic excellence and a sincere commitment to serving the healthcare needs of their communities.

They shared a portion of a six-figure donation from the foundation to pursue their dreams of a healthcare career.

“In the aftermath of this unprecedented global pandemic, healthcare workers continue to be on the front line selflessly caring for patients,” said Dr. Reddy Bhatia at the June 15 scholarship ceremony.

Bhatia added that foundation leaders were touched by the stories of its scholarship recipients and their tenacity and dedication, and they are honored to help them realize their greatest potential.

“This year’s scholarship recipients have amazing stories of hard work and perseverance,” said Foundation Executive Director Sunitha Reddy. “Each individual was selected for their passion to put others ahead of themselves and a commitment to make lives and our community better. We are grateful for the opportunity to support their dreams and future in healthcare.”

Investing in the future

One scholarship recipient, who’ll share a portion of the scholarship pie, was Mayra Rodriguez, a third-semester student at Victor Valley College’s School of Nursing program.

“I made a pledge to myself and my five children to never stop trying, and I envision that one day my family will cheer me on as I walk to my pinning ceremony,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve dreamed of them seeing the fruits of their many sacrifices for me, and am reminded to stay grateful while I transition into the nurse I know I can be. Thank you to the foundation for giving the High Desert community and me an opportunity to reach our goals.”

During the scholarship ceremony, Miguel Rodriguez spoke as a former patient. He is a former Desert Valley Hospital patient who spent nearly 200 days battling COVID-19.

Rodriguez expressed appreciation and admiration for the physicians, nurses and clinical staff, motivated and inspired those in the audience pursuing careers of service.

“While I was intubated, the staff at Desert Valley not only took good care of me but my family as well. They made sure to give them daily updates on my condition and how I was doing and took the time to answer any questions that my wife or anyone else in my family asked,” Rodriguez said. “I will always be grateful to all the staff at Desert Valley Hospital for the care they gave me and the support they provided to my family. I will be grateful to them for the rest of my life.”

The evening culminated with a message from Dr. Bhatia.

“All of you standing here with me are now part of the Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation legacy of helping make our High Desert community a better place to live, work and receive healthcare. It gives us so much hope for the future,” Bhatia said. “We are grateful that we can invest in your future and the amazing ways you will touch the hearts and lives of so many as you continue pursuing your dreams.”

Personnel shortage

Event organizers said the High Desert of Southern California is considered a “Health Professional Shortage Area,” meaning there is a shortage of primary, dental, or mental healthcare providers.

Many of the scholarship recipients expressed a desire to remain in the High Desert serving their community. In addition to addressing the significant need for physicians in the Inland Empire.

Dr. Reddy and the Prime Healthcare Foundation have established one of California’s newest medical schools, the California University of Science and Medicine, in Colton, with a more than $70 million contribution.

The first MD class of 62 new physicians graduated on May 21, and many of them will be serving their residency and/or have pledged to practice in the Inland Empire. 

For more information about the Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation, call 760-241-8000 ext. 8568 or email scholarships@reddyfamilyfoundation.org.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation presents scholarship awards