Dr. Kevin Ciresi Scholarship Opens 2026 Applications for Future Medical Innovators

The Dr. Kevin Ciresi Scholarship for Medical Students has officially opened its 2026 application period for undergraduate students across the United States. This scholarship provides aspiring medical professionals with a platform to showcase their academic excellence, commitment to healthcare innovation, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. Designed to recognize students with both strong academic performance and forward-thinking ideas, the scholarship encourages applicants to explore operational innovations that can advance clinical care.

With a focus on shaping future leaders in medicine, the scholarship invites submissions from undergraduate students who intend to pursue a medical degree and demonstrate a passion for transforming healthcare delivery. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria including current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate program, maintenance of a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrated intention to pursue a medical degree. The application process requires students to complete an essay responding to a prompt about operational innovation in clinical settings.

The scholarship reflects Dr. Kevin Ciresi's dedication to fostering the next generation of medical professionals who value innovation and patient-centered care. Dr. Ciresi, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in California, has dedicated more than twenty years to both clinical excellence and healthcare operations innovation. Throughout his career, he has served in leadership positions including Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at San Ramon Regional Medical Center, developed workflow systems adopted by numerous practices, and created training programs for medical students and residents focused on operational medicine.

By encouraging applicants to propose meaningful operational changes for clinical settings, the scholarship highlights the critical role young physicians will play in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. This initiative aims to create a pathway for students to demonstrate not only academic capability but also a commitment to solving real-world challenges in medical practice. The essay component requires students to describe one operational innovation that could significantly improve patient care in clinical settings and explain how they would implement it.

Essays must be between 800–1,200 words, submitted in PDF or Word format, and follow APA citation guidelines for any references. Originality is essential, and plagiarism will result in disqualification. The application deadline is May 15, 2026, and the winner will be announced on June 15, 2026. All interested students can apply through the official scholarship website at https://www.drkevinciresischolarship.com. The scholarship represents a significant opportunity for undergraduate students to gain recognition for their innovative thinking while receiving support for their medical education aspirations.