Each year, oncology and palliative-related professionals-to-be showing a strong motivation to pursue a healthcare career are awarded valuable scholarships through the Byron H. Chesbro M.D. Scholarship Fund.
The Byron H. Chesbro M.D. Scholarship fund was established in 2019 in partnership with the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation, Elara Caring, and Texas Oncology to honor the memory of El Paso, Texas oncologist Byron L. Chesbro.
Dr. Chesbro was board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. He faithfully served his patients in the El Paso area for more than 37 years. He was medical director of oncology services at Sierra Hospital and chief of staff at Providence Hospital. He was a past president of the El Paso Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society and a founding member of the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Chesbro served on the Quality Oversight Committee of Texas Oncology and as co-chair of the Western Regional Oncology conference.
Dr. Chesbro received his medical degree from the State University of New York, Upstate Medical Center. He completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Ohio and completed his oncology training as a clinical associate at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD.
Dr. Chesbro will be remembered for his personal warmth and compassion for his patients, as well as his professional integrity and commitment to find a cure for cancer.
Scholarships funds may be used to advance the pursuit of oncology related professions and contribute to the health of the community by:
The Byron H. Chesbro M.D. Fund awards scholarships annually to healthcare providers and qualified students who meet the eligibility requirements as outlined below. Winners of the Byron H. Chesbro M.D. Scholarship Program demonstrate a strong motivation to pursue or continue an oncological health care career and a dedication to community service. The program is open to professionals continuing or pursuing a career in the field of oncology and higher education students entering their junior and senior years of full-time undergraduate study, post-graduate study, oncology fellowships and ongoing educational support. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent U.S. residency. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who live or work in El Paso County, Texas.
Qualified student applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (transcripts must be submitted). Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a health-related field at a Texas school system/University.
The minimum amount of each scholarship is $1,000. Applications for scholarships are accepted year-round but are funded annually by August 15th of each calendar year.
Applications must be submitted by July 15th and scholarship award announcements will be made by August 15th of each calendar year. Recipients will be selected by the Scholarship Committee. Scholarships will be awarded based on demonstrated leadership, advocacy, inspiration, goals, work, and community involvement, professional activities and for student applicants, academic performance.
Please contact cmartinez@rgcf.org with any questions. Scholarship funds will be awarded immediately upon notification. It is expected the recipient will be available for press and photo opportunities and allow the release of their name and award on the Foundation’s website.
Completed applicant information and attachments must be submitted through the RGCF website. For student applicants, transcripts must be uploaded.
o Application Form with Narrative Information
o Two letters of recommendation
Two letters of recommendation should be uploaded to complete this application process and should address the following items, be on letterhead if possible and signed.
o Transcripts (for student applicants only)
Dr. Chesbro was board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. He faithfully served his patients in the El Paso area for more than 37 years. He was medical director of oncology services at Sierra Hospital and chief of staff at Providence Hospital. Dr. Chesbro was Medical Director for hospice services for over a decade. At the time of his death, he was serving as Medical Director for CIMA Hospice.
He was a past president of the El Paso Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society and a founding member of the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Chesbro served on the Quality Oversight Committee of Texas Oncology and as co-chair of the Western Regional Oncology conference.
Dr. Chesbro received his medical degree from the State University of New York, Upstate Medical Center. He completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Ohio and completed his oncology training as a clinical associate at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD.
Dr. Chesbro will be remembered for his personal warmth and compassion for his patients, as well as his professional integrity and commitment to find a cure for cancer.
Mon to Fri: 8AM - 5PM
Sat & Sun: Closed
We are at the corner of Virginia St. & Wyoming Ave.
