Philadelphia Foundation is proud to announce that Bernice Kear, a fourth-year medical student studying global and public health, is the 2025-2026 recipient of the Woman One Scholarship at Drexel University College of Medicine. The $25,000 award from Philadelphia Foundation’s Elwood and Edith Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance as Bernice completes her medical education.

The Woman One Award and Scholarship Fund annually honors exceptional leadership and raises tuition funds for talented students at Drexel University who are dedicated to practicing medicine in communities in need. Since the program began in 2003, 38 Scholars have received nearly $3 million in tuition support, with many now practicing medicine in the communities that need them most.

A Year of Transformation and Growth

Bernice’s third year of medical school marked a profound transition from classroom learning to hands-on patient care. She completed rotations across eight specialties, with internal medicine emerging as her calling. She recently completed her internal medicine subinternship at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and passed her Step 2 CK examination in July 2025. Her long-term goal is to complete a fellowship in gastroenterology and specialize in transplant hepatology.

Beyond her clinical training, Bernice is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of physicians. As a Peer Mentor in Drexel’s Advisory Program, she supports first-year medical students, and she mentors pre-medical students through the Application First Aid club.

Reflecting on her experience, Bernice shared: “I am in my final year of medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine, having just submitted my applications for internal medicine residency. The Woman One Scholarship has been instrumental in my path to medicine. This scholarship is more than financial support; it is a vote of confidence and a constant reminder that I belong in medicine.”

Strategic Investment in Healthcare Equity

Philadelphia Foundation’s support of the Woman One Scholarship reflects its role as a strategic problem-solver, applying expertise and resources to transform donors’ visions for impact into positive change. By investing in the education of future physicians like Bernice, Philadelphia Foundation helps address healthcare disparities and strengthens the pipeline of doctors committed to serving Greater Philadelphia.

“Through our support of the Woman One Scholarship program, we are making a meaningful investment in the future of healthcare and the health of our community,” said Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “Bernice embodies the qualities we seek to champion: exceptional talent, deep commitment to community, and dedication to uplifting others along her journey. Her work will drive transformative change, improving lives here in Greater Philadelphia and beyond.”

About the Woman One Scholarship

The Woman One Award and Scholarship Fund annually honors exceptional leadership and raises tuition funds for talented students at Drexel University College of Medicine. Thirty-eight Scholars have received tuition support of almost $3 million since the program began in 2003, with many currently practicing medicine in communities in need.

 About Philadelphia Foundation

Philadelphia Foundation is one of the country’s first publicly supported community foundations and the largest devoted to improving lives in Greater Philadelphia. For over a century, community members, civic and business sector leaders, and nonprofit organizations have turned to us for partnership and collaboration in responding to community needs and creating opportunities for impact. In our work as a civic catalyst, trusted partner, and strategic problem-solver, we seek to strengthen the economic, social, and civic vitality of the region. Our philosophy is that providing civic and community leadership is necessary for effective philanthropic leadership. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.