Two students in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) were presented with scholarships earlier this week at the Hillsborough County Medical Association (HCMA) membership dinner.

Third-year medical student Monica Stevens received $1,500 as part of the 2023 HCMA / Rivero, Gordimer & Company scholarship, and fourth-year medical student Daniela Moino received the HCMA Foundation Scholarship for $1,500.

The evening highlighted HCMA’s long-standing collaboration with USF and the Morsani College of Medicine, and featured remarks from USF President Rhea Law. Many USF Health faculty attended, along with Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.

Monica Stevens earned the HCMA recognition for her involvement in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine with the Class Council and the Collegia Program, where she helps guide students toward a successful transition into graduate medical training and beyond. Stevens also serves as a clinic director for the student-led Tampa Bay Street Medicine Continuity Clinic, which provides care to the homeless population of Tampa, and as president of the Compassionate Companions group in collaboration with Tampa General Hospital.

Stevens started an alumni mentorship program at her former high school for students from rural areas – and currently serves as a mentor to undergraduate and high school students.  She also collaborates with peers and faculty on research endeavors.

Prior to medical school, Stevens worked as a case management assistant, which helped her gain insight into the dynamics of the health care system. At USF, Stevens participates in the Healthcare Systems Engineering Scholarly Concentration.  Her goal is to provide physician-led care in rural populations.

Stevens currently lives in New Port Richey with her wonderful, supportive husband and two amazing children.

Daniela Moino earned the HCMA recognition for her multiple leadership roles. On the Wellness Council, Daniela helped lead a Covid Response Initiative that united classmates over virtual platforms during the pandemic. On the Diversity and Inclusion Council she helped implement a curriculum focused on delivering equitable care to patients of all backgrounds. She acts as a mentor to many, serving on USF MCOM’s admission committee and working with undergraduate students with aspirations to join the healthcare field.

During her undergraduate years in Gainesville, Moino volunteered as a care coordinator for the local mobile outreach clinic. She continues her passion to advocate for minorities and the underserved through her volunteer work with local free clinics, including USF Health’s BRIDGE Clinic and the Women’s Clinic at Tampa’s Judeo Christian Health Clinic.

Beyond her volunteer work, Moino’s academic performance and multiple research endeavors have been recognized as she has earned membership into both the national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, and the USF Robert Good A. Honor Society.

Moino aspires to match to a Ob/Gyn residency this Spring and her decision to pursue medicine is rooted in her cultural identity and previous volunteer experiences. Moving forward, Moino plans to incorporate public health initiatives through her work in obstetrics and gynecology, addressing inequities and ensuring safe practices that promote women’s health.

The HCMA / Rivero, Gordimer & Company scholarship was established in 1979 from HCMA’s former CPA firm. The scholarship is targeted to medical students who demonstrate a commitment to organized medicine and public health initiatives, and is based on financial need and academic achievement.

The HCMA / Rivero, Gordimer & Company scholarship has been presented annually to a deserving USF Health medical student for over 40 years. As in prior years, the HCMA Foundation Board agreed to match the 2021 scholarship and award another $1,500 to a second medical student.

Photos courtesy of Dr. David Lubin, HCMA