Scholarships and Awards
50 Years of Medical Service Awards
DCMS recognized five area physicians for achieving 50 years of professional medical service since their graduation from medical school. Recognition of this milestone is a long-held tradition of both the state and county medical societies and occurs at the September DCMS Board Meeting.
2023 Gunder Scholarship
Gunder Recipient: Lydia R. Smeltz
Congratulations to Lydia R. Smeltz for receiving the Scott A. Gunder, DCMS Presidential Scholarship for Fall 2022. She is a Penn State University College of Medicine student as part of the class of 2025.
Scott A. Gunder, MD, was a person with a vision to return something to the community that had given him so much. Early in his term as the 136th president of the Dauphin County Medical Society (DCMS), he wanted to establish a scholarship for a deserving medical student.
About the Scott A. Gunder Scholarship
Scott A. Gunder, MD, was a person with a vision to return something to the community that had given him so much. Early in his term as the 136th president of the Dauphin County Medical Society (DCMS), he wanted to establish a scholarship for a deserving medical student. As a clinical assistant professor of medicine, and from his own experience, he knew the tremendous commitment it takes to earn a medical degree—and the high cost.
Dr. Gunder's wish became a reality in October of 2000. The Dauphin County Medical Society established the Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship Fund within The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Through this scholarship, the memory of the 39-year-old Harrisburg gastroenterologist will continue. Dr. Gunder's gentle and compassionate spirit was world's apart from the aggressive cancer that took his life. The vast number of condolence cards and letters his widow, Doreen, received was a testament to his character. His family remembers him as a loving husband, caring son, and thoughtful brother. His compassionate nature brought much joy and comfort to his patients, family, and friends.
In honor of Dr. Gunder, the Dauphin County Medical Society is committed to the perpetuation of this fund. It will serve as recognition of all Dauphin County Medical Society presidents who dedicate their time to the betterment of the society—as Dr. Gunder had done. In fulfilling Dr. Gunder's wish, this special scholarship will be awarded annually to one deserving second-year medical student from Penn State College of Medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where Dr. Gunder taught. A part of Dr. Gunder's spirit of medicine will reside in each future physician who receives this award.
We hope you will consider making a contribution to the Fund.