​Rural Access Scholarship

The American Society of Anesthesiologists sponsors a scholarship for medical student and resident members introducing future physicians to rural anesthesia.

Medical student and resident members can apply for stipend scholarships (with Committee oversight approval, stipends range in amount up to the value of $500) to pay for travel and lodging expenses for a rural clerkship.

Eligibility

Applicants must either be a third or fourth year medical student in an approved U.S. program or residency program, and be a member of the ASA. Join now. An ASA member mentor must oversee the activities during the rotation. Check here to see if the institution you are considering is rural.

Here are our available mentors at this time. Please click on any name to send an email to discuss your interest in the rural scholarship. After speaking with the mentor, follow the steps to submit an application.

• Billings, Montana: Dr. Brian Harrington
• Wyoming Perioperative Anesthesia Consultants: Dr. Caety Schmidt
• Visalia, California: Dr. Michael Pesce 
• Eastern South Dakota: Dr. Jeffrey O. Bergsbaken
• Northern New York: Dr. Bill Roberts
• Northern New York: Dr. Mark Vadney
• Indiana, Pennsylvania: Dr. Ben Park
• Parkersburg, West Virginia: Dr. Jeremy Parsons
• Pikeville, Kentucky: Dr. Ty Slatton
• Abilene, Texas: Dr. Jeremie Perry
• Bemidji, Minnesota, Dr. Maxwell Gessner
• Rochester, New York Dr. David Francisco
• Rochester, New York Dr. Susan Behar

Application Steps

The maximum amount of scholarships has been met for 2025, we will reopen the scholarship in 2026. 

Fill out the scholarship application and submit along with a 250 word essay explaining why you are interested in the Rural Anesthesia Scholarship Program to the ASA Staff.

Applications may be submitted four times each year based on this schedule: 

• By January 1 for a March 1 or later start of rotation
• By April 1 for a June 1 or later start of rotation
• By July 1 for a September 1 or later start of rotation
• By October 1 for a December 1 or later start of rotation

The application will be forwarded to the ASA Committee on Rural Access to Anesthesia Care for review and a final decision. The committee will notify the applicant of its decision by 30 days before the rotation starts.

Distribution of Funds

Approved applicants will receive an initial stipend of $250 at the time of acceptance. The balance of the grant, up to $500, will be paid when expenses including receipts are submitted, the student and mentor evaluation forms, along with the medical school registrar proof of completion have been received by the ASA.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know if my rotation hospital is considered rural and qualifies for the program? Check here to see if the institution you are considering is rural.

• What if my expenses exceed the stipend amount received during my rotation due to travel or living expenses? The maximum grant for this ASA sponsored grant is up to $500. We encourage you to check with the sponsoring program for other possible support (funds, housing etc.) that may be available.

• Once my application is approved, how soon will I receive the funds so I can make my travel plans and other arrangements? The $250 initial check will be mailed to you after the committee has notified ASA of your acceptance.

• Will the ASA provide me with something that shows I have successfully completed this program? The ASA Committee on Rural Access to Anesthesia Care will send you a letter of completion to use as documentation for your medical school and to include in your curriculum vitae.

• Can residents apply? Yes, the committee welcomes applications from residents.