PracticeLink is pleased to announce the opening of the Fall 2025 application cycle for First Practice Fund, a scholarship initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. Following the success of the program’s inaugural round in Spring 2025, the upcoming round offers another opportunity for aspiring medical leaders to receive meaningful financial support during their training.

First Practice Fund was created to help ease the financial burdens that medical students, residents, fellows and advanced practice providers often face. The program awards $2,500 to nine recipients, one from each of the following categories: Internal Medicine, Hospital-based Medicine, Primary Care, Rural Medicine (for participants in ACGME-accredited Rural Training Tracks), Medical Students and Advanced Practice Providers.

PracticeLink is proud to announce Premier Health will sponsor the Fall 2025 First Practice Fund scholarship. Through their generous support, scholarships will be fully funded, providing financial assistance to emerging healthcare professionals nationwide. Premier Health’s dedication to advancing medical education and supporting future clinicians aligns seamlessly with the mission of the First Practice Fund.

This past spring, hundreds of applicants from across the country shared their stories and aspirations. From those applications, six outstanding individuals were selected for their commitment to underserved communities, patient-centered care and the advancement of health equity. 

Among the recipients was Dr. Bryan Bui, who credited his father’s journey as a Vietnam War refugee as a source of inspiration. Another recipient, Jill Wenger, PA, left behind a successful massage therapy practice to pursue a new career focused on neurodegenerative care. Their stories, in addition to those of the other four recipients, reflect the spirit of the First Practice Fund and its mission to support those who are choosing to lead with purpose and compassion. Other recipients included Alejandro Nieto Dominguez, MD; Sarah Eichinger, DO; Dilpreet Singh, MD; and medical student Margaret Giggey.

The application window for the Fall 2025 cycle is now open and will remain open through November 13. Winners will be announced on December 14.

Apply by clicking here!

Read more about First Practice at FirstPractice.com or by clicking here.

To be eligible for the First Practice Fund, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S.-based medical school or an ACGME-accredited residency program. Residents and fellows must also have an active PracticeLink account and use the same email address associated with that account when applying. Submissions will be evaluated based on professionalism, interpersonal skills and clearly articulated career goals. Winners are responsible for any applicable tax obligations. By applying, applicants consent to the publication of their name, photo and portions of their submission on various PracticeLink platforms.