Dr. F. Gary Cunningham Endowment Scholarship
The Dr. F. Gary Cunningham Endowment Scholarship helps visiting fourth-year medical students completing a rotation at Parkland Hospital offset costs.
The overarching goals of the scholarship are to:
- Welcome talented medical students who are committed to caring for underserved populations
- Expose medical students to both UT Southwestern and Parkland's mission-driven care environments
- Introduce students to leaders in women's healthcare
Scholarship Details
- The number of scholarships offered each year will be based on available funding.
- Awardees will receive $2,000 at the start of their rotation via a check for the lump sum.
- The UT Southwestern Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology established the scholarship with support from the Dr. F. Gary Cunningham Endowment for Ob/Gyn Clinicians and Providers, funded through the Parkland Foundation.
About Dr. Gary Cunningham
Dr. F. Gary Cunningham is Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He provided extraordinary leadership, scholarship, and decades of service to the department, Parkland Health, and the field of maternal–fetal medicine.
Dr. Cunningham joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 1973 and went on to serve as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1983 to 2004, as well as Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1982 to 2006, helping shape one of the busiest and most influential obstetrical services in the nation.
A world-recognized authority on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as well as medical and surgical complications of pregnancy, Dr. Cunningham served as chief author and editor of Williams Obstetrics from the 18th through 26th editions, guiding the most widely used textbook in the specialty for multiple generations of clinicians and trainees. His scholarly record includes hundreds of peer-reviewed papers, more than 100 book chapters, and dozens of edited volumes, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential obstetricians in the United States.
Who Is Eligible
- Scholarships will be available to selected fourth-year medical students completing a UT Southwestern Ob/Gyn away rotation.
How to Apply
Interested students should:
- Apply for a UT Southwestern/Parkland Ob/Gyn rotation through VSLO.
- Submit a supplemental essay via ObgynPost-Clerkship@UTSouthwestern.edu explaining:
- Why you are interested in rotating here
- Your interest in caring for underserved populations
Selection oversight will primarily involve faculty responsible for medical student education and recruitment.
Supplemental essay should be emailed at the same time the VSLO application is completed.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Visiting students may apply starting in April 2027.
- Scholarship recipients will be notified with adequate time to plan travel.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.