Chicago – September 20, 2026 -- National Medical Fellowships (NMF) has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships and supported over 32,000 scholars across all 50 states since its founding in 1946, the organization announced ahead of its 80th anniversary celebration this October in Chicago, where its mission began.
NMF marks eight decades of funding medical education pathways
The nonprofit's support has extended beyond scholarships to mentorship, career development, service-learning programs, and clinical research leadership training for aspiring and current health professionals. Alumni from the program have gone on to work as physicians, educators, and health care leaders serving communities nationwide.
"Eighty years of NMF is ultimately 80 years of investing in people and the communities they go on to serve," said Michellene Davis, Esq., President and CEO of National Medical Fellowships. She added that the organization's history shows what becomes possible when talented students have meaningful pathways into medicine and the support to succeed.
Homecoming Weekend combines community programming with donor events starting October 1
NMF's four-day Homecoming Weekend will open October 1, 2026, with a national Summit & Convening featuring CPASS Foundation founder Dr. Eric Whitaker, who also serves on the NMF 80th Host Committee. The schedule continues with the NMF Connects reception, an 80th Anniversary Gala at the Four Seasons Chicago, and the President's Legacy Luncheon.
Community health fair brings NMF and Rush University medical professionals into Chicago neighborhoods
On October 3, the NMF Impact x Rush University Community Health Fair will take place at Charles G. Hammond Elementary School, putting NMF and Rush University medical professionals and advocates directly into the Chicago community. NMF will also collaborate with the CPASS Foundation, which works to create STEMM career pathways for young people, on a discussion of Black maternal health featuring the documentary film "Listen to Me" at CPASS's symposium during the weekend.