Yatscoff Family Award

This award is designated to provide financial support for learners in any of the five FoMD clinical undergraduate programs (Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, or Radiation Therapy) as well as resident learners in any PGME program.

Applicants will be asked to submit a small description of their entrepreneurial idea. If an idea is found to have potential, the applicant will be invited to attend an event on April 11, 2024, to "pitch" their idea in front of judges with the chance of winning a first-place award of $3000 or second-place award of $1000 dollars.

Application and Selection Process

Stage 1: Preliminary Application Form

To be considered for the pitch competition, all applicants will be asked to write a short description (100-200 words) about their original idea that has the potential to benefit patients, communities, or health professionals. Example pitches include educational resources, devices, technologies, services, social innovations, enterprises etc.

The FoMD Office of Education will evaluate these initial submissions and select which applicants will advance to the pitch competition. Applicants will be notified by email within approximately one week of the application closing date.

Begin Application

Stage 2: Pitch Competition Submission

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a live pitch competition on April 11, 2024, describing their original idea and highlighting further the details of their entrepreneurial venture.

The panel of judges will be appointed by the Vice Dean of Education, and will be composed of qualified entrepreneurs and professionals.

Dates

January 16, 2024  - Applications open

February 29, 2024  - Applications close 12:00 p.m. MST

March 25, 2024 - Up to 10 applicants will be invited to share their ideas in a live pitch event, in front of judges, on April 11, 2024

April 11, 2024 - Live pitch event

Eligibility

Applicants must be in satisfactory academic standing and be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or a post-graduate medical residency in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. 

This award encourages applicants to apply at any stage of their entrepreneurial idea, however, early stage ideas are encouraged for this award. Please refer to the stipulations below.

Do NOT apply if:

  • Your proposal is an established business 
  • You have won this scholarship before
  • Any member of your group cannot attend and deliver your pitch

Please refer to the FAQs for more information about group submissions. 

All applications are subject to the Code of Student Behaviour.

FAQs

What is the definition of "medical entrepreneurship"?
In the context of this award, “medical entrepreneurship,” should be interpreted in its most broad sense, including devices, technologies, social innovations/enterprises, etc.
How will the submissions be judged?

Click here to view the evaluation criteria for preliminary application.

When will the winners be notified?
If you have won the award, then you can expect to be notified within 1 month of the final pitch competition, or sooner, by email.
Are group submissions allowed?

Yes. You will need to list all group members (maximum 10) in your application. Further details will be on the submission form. 

Please note that group members outside FoMD are allowed, however, only applicants that align with the eligibility criteria will be able to receive the monetary award. 

All group applications are subject to the Code of Student Behaviour.

How much time will I have to prepare for my pitch if selected?
If you are selected to give a pitch, then you will have 2 weeks from being notified. Please refer to the dates section for further information.
What is the value of the Yatscoff Family Award in Medical Entrepreneurship?
Two awards will be given out. The first place winner will receive $3,000 and the second place winner will receive $1,000. 
What does satisfactory academic standing mean?

Satisfactory academic standing in a Faculty means satisfactory as defined within the University Calendar by the Faculty in question. If no such definition has been made by the Faculty, satisfactory academic standing means being eligible to continue in or graduate from the program in which the student is registered exclusive of those students allowed to continue on a probationary basis. (Undergraduate Student Financial Procedure)

For more information visit: FoMD Academic Calendar

What can I use the award money for?
The award funding will be disbursed to students according to U of A policy and procedure for a typical student award to be used at their discretion.
Can I submit more then one proposal?
Yes as long as it fits the criteria.

Questions?

We encourage our participants to read all information thoroughly on this page prior to reaching out.

For any outstanding questions/concerns please email bmeldrum@ualberta.ca.