The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2026 Foundation Healthcare Scholarship awards: Johann Charelus, Dominique Isabella Loyd, Christian McGovern, and Nicholas Mosca. Each student will receive a scholarship ranging from $5,000 to $7,500.
The final tally of 2026 scholarship awards given by the Foundation is $41,000. This includes awards announced earlier this summer to Kaitlyn Barnes, recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Dr. William and Nancy Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students, and Gianna Gorman and Greg Frengel, recipients of the Foundation 2026 Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The Foundation has awarded nearly $325,000 in scholarships since 2013.
The Foundation of CCMS healthcare scholarships are for students who are Florida residents enrolled or accepted into a healthcare degree program, with awards based on need, academic performance, and community involvement.
“The Foundation is proud to support this year’s outstanding scholarship recipients as they pursue their education and prepare for meaningful careers in healthcare,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Board Chair of the Foundation. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of healthcare and in the students who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. We are deeply grateful to our donors and sponsors whose generosity makes these awards possible.”
Johann Charelus graduated from Lely High School (Naples, FL), and is a medical student at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. “I am tremendously grateful to the Foundation of CCMS for supporting my goals of becoming a compassionate and well-rounded Physician. This scholarship offers me more than financial assistance; it provides me relief and allows me to focus more on my studies while serving my surrounding community and beyond.”
Dominique Isabella Loyd is a Palmetto Ridge High School (Naples, FL) graduate and doctor of dental medicine student at Nova Southeastern University. “I have a deep gratitude towards the Foundation for my receipt of this scholarship. Dental school has undoubtedly been the most challenging chapter of my life, but to know that I have the support of my community, I can face even the hardest days with a smile. Thank you for helping me on my journey.”
Christian McGovern is a graduate of First Baptist Academy High School (Naples, FL) and a medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine. “I am deeply grateful for the generosity and support of the Collier County community. My experience serving SWFL residents with Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida as an undergraduate student played a vital role in inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine. The people of our community have helped shape my passion for service and my desire to care for others.”
Nicholas Mosca graduated from Gulf Coast High School (Naples, FL) and is a medical student at Florida State University College of Medicine. “I hope to build a career that combines compassionate patient care with my passion for nutrition, exercise, and preventive health, while ultimately giving back to the Southwest Florida community which first inspired my path toward medicine. I am incredibly grateful to the Foundation of CCMS for investing in my education and helping me become the physician I aspire to be.”
The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament and Raffle on September 26, 2026 will help raise funds for its scholarship program and local healthcare programs in need. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization launched by the Collier County Medical Society in 2012, with the mission to provide support and leadership to programs that address access to healthcare and promote health education. More information on supporting the Foundation and its scholarships is available at ccmsfoundation.org.