The Maggie Snyder, RN, PA-C Endowed Scholarship in Physician Assistant Studies

Since the mid-1980s to 2017 Maggie Snyder, RN, PA-C, DFAAPA cared exclusively for patients with HIV/AIDs along with her physician colleague Dr. Kristen Ries. They cared for these marginalized individuals when no other medical providers were willing to serve their needs. Maggie taught the human aspect of caring for people who were afraid, alone, and struggling with the stigma of a poorly understood and devastating disease. Patients in Maggie’s practice were listened to, touched, loved, and hugged.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must be a Physician Assistant Student enrolled in the Utah Physician Assistant Studies Program, in any year of study.
2. The applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need.
a. You must have a current FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office.

Award Distribution:

Two scholarships in the amount of $500 will be awarded Summer Semester to a qualified applicant determined by the Physician Assistant Studies Scholarship Committee.

Disclaimer: Please note that a check will not be issued. This award will offset tuition costs and will reduce financial aid eligibility by the amount of the scholarship.

Award
$500
Deadline
03/31/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. The 2018 Sundance Film Festival screened a documentary critically acclaiming the careers of Maggie Snyder, her partner, Dr. Kristen Ries, and their work during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The film is called “Quiet Heroes” and is a tender portrayal of two clinicians caring for a vulnerable, growing patient population in Utah and the Intermountain West. These two women dedicated their lives to helping those in desperate need. They made house calls to examine patients who were too ill to travel. They visited schools and businesses, in an effort to educate the community about the HIV/AIDS. They cared for those too ill to work, most without insurance. They cared for those ostracized by families or partners due to homosexuality or drug use. Maggie and Kristen are examples of what it means to be clinicians. Please describe in 400 - 500 words how Maggie’s example has inspired you to be a better clinician and how you can turn that inspiration into action in your own career.