Training Lifelong Learners

“One way for the student to learn the difficulties in drawing conclusions about biological systems is to give him the opportunity to establish some fact on the basis of his own work. We call this research and find it a very effective method of teaching. The intellectual discipline involved better prepares him for the role of a lifetime learner.” – Eugene A. Stead, Jr., MD

Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr. served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center from 1947-1967. During his tenure as chair, Dr. Stead helped revise the Duke University School of Medicine curriculum to allow students to receive academic credit for doing a research year that was, at that time, unique in medical education.

To honor Dr. Stead’s vision and commitment to the development of basic science education for medical students, the Stead Scholarships were established in 1983 by Joseph C. Greenfield, Jr., MD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine from 1983-1995. Funded by donations from grateful patients and former colleagues, the Stead Scholarships are the oldest of the Duke intramural medical student research scholarships. The Stead Research Scholarship remains dedicated to supporting research in the undergraduate medical school years, and stimulate further academic activity throughout the student’s professional career.

Today, the Stead Committee touts the Stead award as a “scholarship plus,” meaning, in addition to financial support, the Stead Scholarship Program seeks to nurture among award recipients a sense of community. Mentor and peer support is provided through group lunches with faculty held periodically to share updates, individual meetings as requested, and a graduation banquet held yearly to celebrate the accomplishments of Stead Scholars.

Sites@Duke Express is powered by WordPress. Read the Sites@Duke Express policies and FAQs, or request help.