The Bruce C. Urbanc Physician Memorial Scholarship Committee is proud to announce Alicia Chaney of Fort Loramie, Ohio, as the recipient of the 2026 Bruce C. Urbanc Physician Memorial Scholarship.
Chaney is a graduate of New Knoxville High School and is currently a fourth-year medical student at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM). Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated exceptional scholastic achievement, leadership, service, and a deep commitment to improving access to healthcare in rural communities.
Alicia's journey toward medicine began while working as a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) in a long-term care facility, a role she held for more than five years. Those experiences caring for elderly patients, combined with witnessing her grandfather's battle with cancer at a young age, inspired her pursuit of a career dedicated to serving others through medicine.
Today, Chaney has built an impressive record of achievement as both a student and leader. She has served in numerous leadership positions, including President of the Medical Mentors Program, President of Sigma Sigma Phi Delta Chapter, Vice President of the Family Medicine Club, Vice President of the Catholic Medical Association, and Secretary of the Student American Academy of Osteopathy. She also serves as an Academic Peer Support Leader and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Honors Teaching Assistant, mentoring fellow students and helping foster academic excellence among future physicians.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Chaney has pursued extensive clinical, research, and community service experiences. Her involvement includes anesthesiology research at Nationwide Children's Hospital, participation in the Rural and Underserved Scholars Program (RUSP), work as a Physician's Care Connection Food Insecurity Coordinator, and service through the Food is Health Program and the Medical Mentors Program.
A lifelong advocate for rural healthcare, Chaney plans to pursue a career in family medicine and return to serve communities similar to those where she grew up. Raised in New Knoxville and now residing in Fort Loramie with her husband and young son, she is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to families throughout west-central Ohio.
"Rural communities have shaped who I am and the kind of physician I hope to become," Chaney said. "I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from my family, mentors, and community. My goal is to give back by providing compassionate, holistic healthcare that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families."
Chaney's vision aligns closely with the values exemplified by Dr. Bruce C. Urbanc, whose legacy of compassionate patient care, community service, and commitment to medicine continues through this scholarship program.
"The selection committee was impressed not only by Alicia's outstanding academic record, but also by her remarkable leadership, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to rural healthcare," said Dr. A. David McDonald, scholarship committee Chair and Chief of Staff at Wilson Health. "She embodies the qualities this scholarship was created to recognize and support."
The Bruce C. Urbanc Physician Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student pursuing a career in medicine who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, character, and a commitment to serving others. The scholarship honors the memory and legacy of Dr. Bruce C. Urbanc and supports future physicians who strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and communities.