The tenth annual Manuel Stamatakis Golf Classic held by Drexel University College of Medicine raised $230,000 bringing the total raised to $2.4 million since the event debuted in 2002.

150 golfers hit the links at the Philadelphia Cricket Club on July 11th. They teed off on one of the hottest days of the summer to support a scholarship fund in the name of Drexel University College of Medicine’s former chairman, and now trustee, Manuel Stamatakis. The scholarships benefit medical students with proven academic ability and financial need.

"Being involved in furthering the education of medical students is very rewarding and exciting. We have a tremendous need for qualified and dedicated physicians in this country and throughout the world. The proceeds raised by this golf tournament for a scholarship fund are profoundly important so that we can continue to attract competent, committed and qualified candidates to become our future doctors," Stamatakis said.

Co-chairs for this year’s golf classic were Richard V. Homan, MD, president and Annenberg Dean at Drexel University College of Medicine; Michael P. Halter, CEO of Hahnemann University Hospital; and William R. Sasso, Esq., chairman of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP.

Alina Burek

Alina has dreamed of becoming a physician since her father’s death from cancer when she was 13. Born in Romania, she came to the United States at the age of 23 and completed her undergraduate studies at Drexel. She is already working toward one of her goals – making healthcare available to those in need – as a student coordinator for our clinic at the Eliza Shirley shelter for women and children.

Jeffrey Cruz

Now a fourth-year medical student, Jeffrey had planned to be a teacher. However, his adviser suggested another way the honors student could combine his gifts for science and technology, and his desire to work with people who truly needed help. And Jeffrey found his passion for medicine. His interests have inspired him to pursue a career as a radiologist, and he looks forward to continuing his community service as a physician.

Marta Melnyk

Marta was 17 when she applied to Drexel’s BS/MD program, fulfilling a dream that began when she was a child in the Ukraine and accompanied her father to his medical office. Now, with her BS in biomedical engineering in hand, she is entering her third year of medical school with the same commitment and tireless work ethic that have helped her succeed since coming to the United States just eight years ago.

Akash Patel

This is the third time Akash has been selected as a Stamatakis Scholar. Also a student of the B.S./MD program, he received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering in 2009 and is entering his third year of medical school. He aspires to use his engineering and medical training to develop advances that improve healthcare in underserved communities such as the one in Vadodara, India, where he lived for most of his early childhood.

S. Estella Philippopoulos

Estella’s interest in medicine evolved over many years, starting with an early enthusiasm for science. In college, she studied life science and biological anthropology, and avidly pursued activities connected to the medical field, including clinical research and becoming an EMT. A third-year student, Estella has performed research at the NIH and Johns Hopkins, and presented her work at a scientific meeting. She is drawn to internal or family medicine and has a great interest in the geriatric population.

Andrew Salim

Andrew is enrolled in the MD and Master of Public Health program, and will graduate as a physician with a master’s degree in health management and policy. During college he undertook related volunteer projects and during medical school he has worked at our community clinics. He looks forward to a future of caring for patients and working to change public policy to heal social disparities, especially as they affect health.

Shawn Sikka

Inspired by his late mother’s valiant battle against cancer, Shawn dreamed of becoming a doctor and serving oncology patients by enhancing their clinical care. A fourth-year student, he plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology and pain management so he can protect patients during surgery and ease the pain of terminal patients. He would like to practice here in Philadelphia, to help meet the needs of the uninsured population and the great demand for healthcare.